Class 10th History Notes Chapter -1, The age of revolution : - 1830-1848 (Topic :- 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3)

 3 The age of revolution : - 1830-1848  (Topic :-  3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3)

The period between 1830 and 1848 was marked by widespread revolutionary movements across Europe. These revolutions were driven by liberalism, nationalism, and economic hardship and aimed at overthrowing monarchies, gaining independence, and establishing constitutional governments.

Two Revolution in this period :- 

1. July Revolution
2. Greek Revolution

1. The July Revolution (France, 1830)

• Cause: Bourbon king X tried to suppress freedom of the press and dissolve the elected parliament.
• Event: People revolted and  overthrown.
• Result: Louis Philippe (the "Citizen King") took the throne, establishing a constitutional monarchy.

Impact: Inspired revolutions in Belgium

2. The Belgian Revolution (1830)

• Cause: Belgium was forced into a union with the Netherlands in 1815 (Treaty of Vienna).
• Event: The Belgians revolted and declared independence.
• Result: Belgium became an independent nation in 1831.

Greek Revolution (1821–1832)

The Greek War of Independence (also called the Greek Revolution) was a nationalist uprising against Ottoman rule, leading to Greece’s independence in 1832.

Causes of the Greek Revolution

• Oppression by the Ottoman Empire – Greece had been under Ottoman rule for nearly 400 years, facing heavy taxation and cultural suppression.
• Rise of Nationalism – Inspired by the French Revolution (1789) and the Revolutions of 1830, Greeks sought self-rule.
• Role of the Greek Orthodox Church – Encouraged the fight against Muslim Ottoman rulers.
• European Support – Many Europeans admired Greek culture and history, supporting the revolution.
• West European country, writer and Artisans help Greek to aware to aware citizens of Greek.
• 1832 – The Treaty of Constantinople formally established Greece as an independent monarchy.

3.1 - The Romantic Imagination and National Feeling

During the 19th century, the Romantic movement played a crucial role in shaping nationalism. Romantic artists, poets, and thinkers used culture, art, and folklore to promote national identity and unity.

1. What Was Romanticism?

• A cultural and artistic movement that emerged as a reaction against rationalism and industrialization.
• Focused on emotions, nature, history, and national identity.
• Celebrated the common people’s traditions, folklore, and language.

2. How Did Romanticism Promote Nationalism? :- 

A. Emphasizing Folk Culture and History

• Johann Gottfried Herder (Germany) – Believed that a nation’s identity was found in its folk songs, poetry, and stories.
• Collection of folk tales and legends helped preserve cultural identity (e.g., Grimm Brothers’ Fairy Tales in Germany).

B. Promotion of Vernacular Languages

• Poets and writers encouraged people to use their native languages instead of the dominant ruling class’s language. (Polonaise and Mazurka - folk dance of Poland become Nationalist Symbol)
• Example: In Poland, Polish language and literature kept national identity alive under Russian rule.

3. Impact of Romanticism on Nationalism

• Helped preserve and promote national identity in divided or occupied nations (e.g., Poland, Germany, Italy).
• Encouraged resistance against foreign rule through cultural revival.

3.2 - Hunger, Hardship, and Popular Revolt

During the early 19th century, Europe faced severe economic and social crises, leading to widespread unrest, protests, and revolts. The period was marked by hunger, unemployment, and the struggle for political rights.

1. Causes of Hardship and Revolt

A. Economic Crisis

• Industrialization led to unemployment – Traditional workers, like artisans and craftsmen, lost jobs due to mass production in factories.
• Food shortages – Poor harvests in the 1840s led to high food prices and famine.
• Population growth – Europe’s population was increasing, but jobs were scarce, leading to poverty.

B. Social Inequality

• The ruling elite controlled resources – Monarchs, nobles, and aristocrats had political and economic power, while common people suffered.
• No political rights for workers and the poor – Only the wealthy classes could vote in most European countries.

C. The 1848 Revolutions (People's Revolts)

• People demanded constitutional governments, social reforms, and fair wages.
• Workers, peasants, and the middle class joined forces against monarchies.

2. Major Popular Revolts in French city Paris

• Cause: Economic crisis and demand for universal suffrage.
• Event: King Louis Philippe was overthrown.
• Result: The National Assembly proclaimed Second Republic was formed, and introducing voting rights for all men.

3. Impact of Revolts

• Inspired future democratic movements – The demand for universal suffrage and constitutional rule grew.
• Forced rulers to consider reforms – Some governments introduced limited voting rights and better working conditions.

Silesia Revolt :- In 1845, Weaver revolt against contractor because they reduce the payment of weaver.

3.3 - The Revolution of the Liberals

The Revolution of the Liberals refers to the Revolutions of 1848.

2. Causes of the Liberal Revolutions (1848)

A. Political Causes

• Demand for Constitutions – Most European countries still had absolute monarchies with little political freedom.
• Lack of Voting Rights – Only wealthy landowners could vote, while the middle and working classes had no representation.

B. Economic Causes

• Unemployment and Poverty – The industrial revolution created job loss for artisans and economic inequality.
• High Taxes and Food Prices – Poor harvests in 1845–1847 led to famine and starvation.

C. Nationalist Aspirations

• Germany and Italy – Liberals wanted to unite their fragmented states into one nation.
• Poland and Hungary – Wanted independence from foreign rulers like Russia and Austria.

 Germany – Frankfurt Parliament (1848)

• Liberal nationalists met to draft a constitution for a united Germany.
• Failure: The King of Prussia, Frederick William IV, rejected the offer to lead a united Germany.

Feminist Movements in the 19th Century

During the 19th century, women across Europe began demanding equal rights, including the right to vote, education, and equal treatment in society.

• Serfdom and bonded labour were abolished in Habsburg dominions and in Russia.
• Hungarians were granted autonomy in 1867.

You can download complete chapter notes : - Class 10 - The Rise of Nationalism in Europe