The Age of Realism

I. Major Themes of the Era Authoritarian forces reasserted themselves across Europe Nation building and liberal reform Industrialization spreads = $$$ across Europe Socialist parties improve conditions for workers Realism rejected romanticism in favor of depictions of everyday life and ordinary people.

II. France and the Second Empire Louis Napoleon elected in 1848 Seized control of the National Assembly Elected for a ten year term Introduced many domestic policies that were beneficial to the economic and social welfare of the nation Industrialization= great prosperity Redesign of Paris into modern infrastructure to advance public health and improved aesthetics

III. The Crimean War Ottoman Empire was disintegrating Russia and Austria had interest in territory France and GB supported Ottoman Empire in declaring war on Russia (1853) Military disaster- 60% soldiers die of disease Professional nurses recognized under leadership of Florence Nightingale Treaty of Paris (1856)- Austria and Russia now enemies and Russia withdraws from European affairs Boc60LsTy0 Boc60LsTy0

IV. Franco Prussian War 1870 Growth of Prussia led to conflict with France French army no match for the Prussian army (different focus during the Age of Absolutism) Military victory brought German unification under Prussian rulers Militarism+ authorianism + nationalism French humiliation fuels the need for revenge against Germany

V. Austria, Russia and England Austria  Compromise of 1867: Dual monarchy with Hungary (Austria- Hungary) each with constitutional monarchy Russia  Abolition of serfdom  Local assemblies  Radical groups and violence grow  Assassination of Alexander II leads to return to conservatism England  Victorian Age- middle class prosperity

V. Marx and Engles Critics of capitalism arose from Industrialization The Communist Manifesto- meant to stir workers into unified action Classless society Proletariat (workers) would engage in a class struggle with bourgeois society First International- International Men’s Association  Promoted the interests of working class

VI. Science and Culture Romanticism gives way to realism (art imitates life) Concrete existence of man vs. spirituality or emotionalism Birth of sociology Advancements in public health Charles Darwin and the Theory of Evolution  “Survival of the Fittest” transferred over to economic, political and social aspects of society with Social Darwinism