Class 10th History Notes Chapter -1 (The French Revolution and the Idea of the Nation) Topic - 2.2, 2.3, 2.4

 Class 10th History Notes Chapter -1 (The French Revolution and the Idea of the Nation)

2.2 - Liberal nationalism in the 19th century stood for:

• Liberalism derives from the "Latin" word liber, meaning free.
• Individual Freedom – It emphasized personal liberties such as freedom of speech, press, and religion.
• Equality Before Law – It promoted the idea of a constitution that guarantees equal rights for all citizens.
• Democratic Government – It supported a government elected by the people rather than monarchy or dictatorship.
• Economic Freedom – It encouraged free markets and the removal of trade restrictions.
• Unification of Nations – It played a role in unifying fragmented states, such as Italy and Germany.
• End of clerical privileges.
• Suffrage - The right to vote.

Liberal nationalists opposed absolute monarchy and aristocratic privileges, aiming to create modern nation-states based on democratic principles.

The middle class in the 19th century faced several problems, especially in the context of liberal nationalism and political changes. 

Limited Political Power – Even though they supported democracy, many middle-class people were excluded from voting rights due to property-based voting systems.

Economic Challenges – Industrialization created economic instability, unemployment, and harsh working conditions, especially for lower-middle-class workers. Traders had to pay high taxes.

Conflict with Aristocracy – The middle class opposed the privileges of the aristocracy but struggled to gain equal social and political influence.

Division Within the Class – The middle class itself was divided into wealthy business owners and struggling professionals, leading to differing political and economic interests. They did not support woman and poor citizens.

National Unification Struggles – In countries like Germany and Italy, the middle class played a key role in unification but faced resistance from conservative forces.

Worker's Movements – The rise of socialism and worker movements challenged middle-class business owners, who often resisted labor rights and better wages for workers.

There were 39 states each of these possessed its own currency, and weights and measures.  

The Zollverein, or Customs Union

The Zollverein, or Customs Union, was a coalition of German states formed in 1834 under Prussian leadership. It aimed to create economic unity by removing trade barriers and establishing a common tariff system.

Features of Zollverein

• Abolition of Internal Tariffs – It eliminated customs duties between member states, allowing free trade.
• Common External Tariffs – A uniform tax system was set for trade with non-member states.
• Prussian Leadership – It strengthened Prussia’s influence over the German Confederation.
• Use of a Common Currency – It helped standardize currency, weights, and measures across member states.

Economic Unification Before Political Unification – Zollverein played a crucial role in the eventual unification of Germany in 1871 under Otto von Bismarck.

2.3 A New Conservatism After 1815

A New Conservatism After 1815

• Napoleon Rule :- 1799-1815
• Defeated By :- Britain, Prussia, Russia, Austria (these for countries called Conservative), Battle of Water loo

After the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815, European powers attempted to restore the old order. The period after 1815 saw the rise of a new form of conservatism, which aimed to 

• preserve monarchies, 
• Church power restored
• Adopted censorship
• aristocratic privileges, and 
• traditional institutions while adapting to some modern changes

Treaty of Vienna (1815)

The Treaty of Vienna (1815) was signed after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte to restore stability and order in Europe. It was the result of the Congress of Vienna (1814–1815), led by Prince Duke Metternich of Austria.

Changes come after this treaty

1. Political Changes

• Restoration of Monarchies – The Bourbon monarchy was restored in France under Louis XVIII, and other European monarchies were reinstated.
• Strengthening of Conservative Rule – Austria, Prussia, and Russia took the lead in suppressing liberal and nationalist movements.
• Suppression of Liberalism and Nationalism – Conservative rulers crushed revolutionary activities, leading to future revolts (e.g., Revolutions of 1830 and 1848).

2. Territorial Changes

• France Lost Its Conquests – It was reduced to its pre-1792 borders.
• Austria Expanded – Gained Lombardy and Venetia (Northern Italy).
• Prussia Grew Stronger – Acquired Rhineland, Westphalia, and parts of Saxony.
• Russia Gained Poland – Became dominant in Eastern Europe.
• Creation of the Netherlands – Belgium and the Netherlands were merged into the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

3. Economic and Social Changes

• Rise of Industrialization  
• Growing Middle Class 

2.4 The Revolutionaries

After 1815, conservative powers in Europe tried to suppress liberal and nationalist movements, but revolutionaries continued to work for freedom, democracy, and national unification. These revolutionaries were mostly liberals, nationalists, and radicals who opposed monarchy and aristocratic rule.

Who Were the Revolutionaries?

• Liberals – Wanted constitutional government and individual rights (e.g., freedom of speech, equality before the law).
• Nationalists – Aspired for independent nation-states (e.g., Germans, Italians, and Poles wanted to unite their fragmented regions).
• Radicals – Demanded social reforms, including universal suffrage (right to vote for all men, not just property owners).

Secret Societies and Their Role  :-  

• Giuseppe Mazzini – Italian nationalist Born in Genoa in 1807,  Become a member of the Carbonari
• Young Italy in Marseilles (Founded by Giuseppe Mazzini, 1831) – Aimed at uniting Italy as a democratic republic.
• Young Europe in Berne  (Founded by Giuseppe Mazzini)

Click here to download complete chapter notes :- The Rise of Nationalism in Europe