Napoleon, Liberalism, and Nationalism in 19th Century Europe
The Napoleonic Empire (1804 – 1815)
Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor in 1804.
Domestic Policy
- The Civil Code was developed.
Foreign Policy
Napoleon extended his empire across Europe. France defeated Austria, Prussia, and Russia, and Britain submitted to the continental blockade. Napoleon’s troops were defeated in 1813 (Battle of Leipzig). Anti-Napoleonic armies entered France in 1814. Napoleon returned to France and returned to power (the 100-day rule). Napoleon was finally defeated at Waterloo in 1815.
Consequences of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Empire
The most significant were:
- The social and political structure of the old regime was gone.
- The king became a constitutional monarch.
- National sovereignty was recognized.
- Constitutions were approved.
- The bourgeoisie achieved political power.
- Ideas of independence began to emerge in the colonies of Latin America.
- The expansion of French troops encouraged nationalist movements.
- New revolutionary waves spread across much of Europe in the decades of 1820, 1830, and 1840.
The Congress of Vienna and the Restoration
The UK, Austria, Prussia, and France itself met at the Congress of Vienna (1814 to 1815). Russia, Austria, and Prussia signed a pact called the Holy Alliance. The UK did not join and proposed the creation of the Quadruple Alliance.
New Map of Europe
- Belgium and Holland were united (Netherlands).
- Italy appeared divided.
- France returned to its borders of 1792.
- A confederation of 39 German states was created (Germanic Confederation).
- Prussia joined the Rhineland.
The Liberal Doctrine
Liberalism is a form of political thinking that developed in the nineteenth century, whose aim was to safeguard individual freedom. For liberalism, the bourgeois class should exercise the power they possessed the wealth. Liberalism abandoned the social problems that emerged in the nineteenth century.
Liberal Principles
- National sovereignty
- Separation of powers
- Promulgation of a constitution
- Freedoms
- Natural rights
The Liberal Revolutions
In 1820, reacting against the restoration, there was a wave of revolutionary movements which was repeated in 1830. In 1821, Greece revolted against the Ottoman Empire and gained independence in 1829. In 1830, France dethroned the Bourbon dynasty and took the throne of Louis Philippe of Orleans, who ruled under a Constitution. Belgium became independent of Holland.
Nationalism
Born in the early nineteenth century, nationalism is a sense of belonging to the same community or nation. Nationalist movements took place throughout the nineteenth century and took two forms. One theory wanted the release of nations subject to another. Another theory stated that territories with common elements, but divided politically, should aspire to be a nation.
The Revolutions of 1848
In 1848, there were democratic and nationalist ideals. In France, a new revolutionary movement established universal suffrage and the Second French Republic. In the German and Italian states, revolutions took place that mixed liberal and nationalist claims (desires of unification). In the Germanic Confederation, it was called the Frankfurt Parliament. In Italy, there were uprisings against Austrian rule.
Two New Nations: Italy and Germany
Unification of Italy
The Protagonists
The kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, with its King Victor Emmanuel II and his minister Cavour, were the architects of the unit.
Events
- Piedmont expelled Austria from Lombardy.
- The states of central Italy joined Piedmont.
- Naples and Sicily were also incorporated through the revolutionary action of Garibaldi.
- In 1861, Victor Emmanuel was proclaimed king of Italy.
- In 1871, Rome became the Italian capital.
Unification of Germany
The Protagonists
The stronger states were Austria and Prussia, led by Otto von Bismarck.
Events
- In 1866, Austria and Prussia fought.
- In 1870, Prussia defeated France in the Battle of Sedan.