Europe Faces Revolutions Chapter 8 Section 2

Main Ideas Liberal and nationalist uprisings challenged the old conservative order of Europe. The system of nation-states established in Europe during this period continues today.

Introduction At the same time as the revolutions in Latin America, Europe was also undergoing changes. The Congress of Vienna had tried to restore the old monarchies and territorial divisions that had existed prior to the French Revolution. At an international level this was a success. However, within countries the effort failed. Europe was plagued by revolutions between 1815-1848.

Clash of Philosophies Three schools of thought spread through Europe in the early 1800s. Each believed its style of government would best serve the people. Each attracted a different set of followers. Conservative Liberal Radical

Conservative Usually wealthy property owners. Argued for protecting the traditional monarchies of Europe. Today, what political party do we associate with conservative beliefs? Do conservatives today want a lot of government involvement?

Liberal Mostly middle-class business leaders and merchants. They wanted to give more power to elected parliaments. Only wanted the educated and landowners to vote.

Radical Favored drastic change to extend democracy to all people. They believed that governments should practice the ideals of the French Revolution. Liberty Equality Brotherhood

Nationalism Develops Nationalism – belief that people’s greatest loyalty should not be to a king or an empire but to a nation of people who share a common culture and history.

Nation-State Had its own independent government. Defends the nation’s territory and way of life. Represents the nation to the rest of the world. 1815 – only France, England and Spain were nation-states.

Believers in Nationalism Liberals and Radicals were the main believers in nationalism. Liberal middle class – teachers, lawyers & business people – led the struggle for constitutional government and the formation of nation-states. Germans wanted to gather many states into one large state. Hungarians wanted to split away from Austria and establish self-rule.

Nationalists Challenge Conservative Power Greeks – first to win self-rule. Greece had been part of the Ottoman Empire. Ottomans controlled most of the Balkans. Present day Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and the former Yugoslavia. Greeks had kept their history and culture alive. Demanded independence and rebelled against the Ottoman Turks in 1821.

Greeks Gain Independence Powerful European governments opposed revolution. The cause of Greek independence was popular with people. Educated Europeans and Americans loved and respected Greek culture. Britain, France and Russia took Greece’s side and destroyed an Ottoman fleet in 1827. They signed a treaty guaranteeing Greece’s freedom.

Radicals Change France Radicals participated in many of the 1848 revolts. Only in France was the radical demand for democratic government the main goal of the revolution.

The Third Republic 1848 - Louis Philippe, ruler of France, fell from popular favor. Paris mob overturned the monarchy & established a republic. A constitution was adopted. Called for a parliament and a strong president to be elected by the people.

France Accepts a Strong Ruler 1848 - Louis-Napoleon – nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte – won the presidential election. Four years later, he took the title Emperor Napoleon III. Accepted without complaint. Weary of instability. Wanted a strong ruler that would bring peace to an unstable France.

France Prospers Napoleon III built railroads, encouraged industrialization, and promoted an ambitious program of public works. Due to his policies, unemployment decreased and the country prospered.

Reform in Russia Russia was not very industrialized, yet. Serfs were still bound to land, under a feudal system. Czars were afraid to free the serfs, because it would anger the landowners.

Defeat Brings Change Czar Nicholas I threatened to take over part of the Ottoman Empire during the Crimean War. However, Russia’s industries and transportation system failed to provide adequate supplies for the troops. Russia lost the war. Alexander II, Nicholas’ son, decided to move Russia toward modernization and social change. He believed his reforms would allow Russia to compete with western Europe for world power.

Reform and Reaction Alexander’s reforms Freeing the serfs – bold move Peasant communities received half the farmland in the country. Had 49 years to repay the government. Alexander was assassinated by terrorists in 1881. Alexander III continued to encourage industrialism. Nationalism helped drive Russia toward industrial expansion.

Questions Who did liberals want to have power in 19th century Europe? What are some key characteristics of nationalism? Describe some radical ideas of the time period. Give examples.