Nationalism
a belief, creed or political ideology that involves an individual
identifying with, or becoming attached to,
one's nation, national identity
Nationalism contributes to the
formation of two new Germany and
Italy and a new political order in
Europe
Nationalism: A Force for Unity or Disunity
Two Views of Nationalism
1. Nationalists use their common bonds to build
nation-states
2. Rulers eventually use nationalism to unify their
subjects
Three different types of nationalist movements:
• unification merges culturally similar lands
• separation splits off culturally distinct groups
• state-building binds separate cultures into one
Nationalism: A strong feeling of pride in and
devotion to one’s country.
The last half of the 1800s can be called the Age
of Nationalism. Through national feeling,
European leaders fought ruthlessly to create
strong, unified nations. Germany and Italy
unified under nationalism, the Austrians and
Ottomans fought to keep their empires in tact,
and Russians started to challenge the power
of the Czar (Tsar).
Nationalism Shakes Aging Empires
The Breakup of the
Austrian Empire
Austria includes people
from many ethnic groups
1866 defeat in AustroPrussian War (Seven
Weeks War) and
Hungarian nationalism
forces emperor to split the
empire into Austria and
Hungary
• still ruled by emperor
Flag of Austria-Hungary
representing two kingdoms,
but ruled by one emperor.
This was a concession to
Hungarian nationalism.
Nationalism Shakes Aging Empires
The Russia Empire Crumbles
After 370 years, Russian czars begin losing control over their
empire
Russification—forcing other peoples to adopt Russian
culture
• policy further disunites Russia, strengthens ethnic
nationalism
Nationalism Shakes Aging Empires
The Ottoman Empire Weakens
Internal tensions among ethnic groups weakens the
empire.
Rulers grant citizenship to all groups, outraging
Turks.
Building a German Nation
In the early 1800s , German-speaking people, Austrians,
and Prussians lived in a number of small and mediumsized states.
Under Napoleon’s control the people of the area united to
throw the French out.
With Napoleon gone the Congress of Vienna created the
German Confederation headed by Austria.
Building a German Nation
In 1848 people again demanded German political unity
under the leadership of Frederick William IV of Prussia – he
rejected the notion of a throne offered by “the people”.
Under a Prussian, Otto von Bismarck, the German states
were united through a series of “wars of unification”
against Denmark, Austria, and France. In the FrancoPrussian War Napoleon III surrendered after a mere few
weeks. Bismarck is considered the architect of German
unity.
In January 1871, William I of Prussia took the title of Kaiser
(emperor) of Germany – ushering in the Second Reich
(empire) – heir to the First Reich, the Holy Roman Empire.
Nationalism: A strong feeling of pride in and
devotion to one’s country.
Under Otto von Bismarck, Germany emerged as
Europe’s most powerful empire – but at a
considerable cost. Where once the world saw
Germany as a center for the Northern
Renaissance, it was now viewed as conquerors
and destroyers. Neither loved nor respected,
only feared.
Bismarck Unites Germany
Beginning in 1815, thirty-nine German states form
the German Confederation
Prussia Leads German Unification
Prussia has advantages that help it to unify Germany
• mainly German population
• powerful army
• creation of liberal constitution
 Bismarck Takes Control
Junkers—conservative wealthy
landowners—support Prussian
Wilhelm I
Junker realpolitik master Otto
von Bismarck becomes prime
minister
Realpolitik—power politics
without room for idealism
Bismarck defies Prussian
parliament
Seven Weeks War
Bismarck creates a border dispute with Austria to
provoke a war
Prussia seizes Austrian territory, northern Germany
Eastern and western parts of Prussian kingdom are
joined for the first time.
The Franco-Prussian War
Bismarck provokes war with France to unite all
Germans
Wilhelm is crowned Kaiser—emperor of a united
Germany—at Versailles
Bismarck creates a Germany united under Prussian
dominance.
In the aftermath of unification Germany emerged as the
industrial giant of the European continent; it’s shipping
was second only to Britain.
Germany had many advantages, its iron and coal
deposits, along with a population surge (from 41 million
in 1871 to 67 million in 1914) served to propel Germany
forward.
Bismarck, sought to keep France isolated and weak,
while building strong links with Austria and Russia, as
well as erase local loyalties within by attacking the
Catholic Church and the Socialists. His moves backfired,
forcing him to make peace with the church and woo the
workers of Germany. Because of this Germany became
the model of social reform for other European countries.