Through a focus on any two countries, explain how nations developed over the nineteenth century.
Through a focus on any two countries, explain how nations developed over the nineteenth century.
A nation-state was one in which the majority of its citizens, and not only its rulers, came to develop a sense of shared descent or history and common identity. It was forged through the actions and struggles of common men and leaders.During the nineteenth century, nationalism led to the creation of nation-states in place of dynastic empires of Europe.
This answer will focus on the development of two nations – Italy and Britain.
Development of Italy
Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed king of united Italy in 1861.
Italy – Before Unification
- Italy was divided into seven states over the middle of the 19th century.
- The Bourbon kings of Spain dominated the Southern regions, Austrian Hasburgs controlled the North, and the Centre was ruled by the Pope.
- Out of seven states only one state was ruled by Italian princely house i.e. Sardinia-Piedmont.
Unification of Italy
- Italy faced political fragmentation over its long history.
- There was the multinational Habsburg Empire and several dynastic states scattered all over. Mazzini wanted an independent and united Italy.
- In order to drive out the Spanish rulers from the Southern regions of Italy, in 1860, a large number of armed volunteers under Garibaldi marched into the Kingdom of two Sicilies and South Italy. They won the support of Peasants.
- Hence in 1861, Italy had a new king, Victor Emmanuel II.
- Cavour took office as the first Prime Minister of Italy, after the declaration of the United Kingdom of Italy.
Development of Britain
The formation of the nation-state – Britain was a strange case.
- Before the 18th century there was no British nation.
- The ethnic identities of people who inhabited the British Isles were Scot, English, Irish, Welsh. Each of these ethnic groups had their own political and cultural traditions.
Subjugation of Ireland by England
- Incorporation of Ireland into the United Kingdom was done forcibly in 1801, after the revolt by United Irishmen (1798) led by Wolfe Tone failed.
Scotland – Subjugation of Culture by England
- England was able to impose its influence on Scotland through the Act of Union (1707). This Act was between Scotland and England, resulting in the formation of the ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain.
- After this act, English members dominated the British Parliament. Now the equation was England+Wales+Scotland+Ireland=United Kingdom of Great Britain
A nation-state was one in which the majority of its citizens, and not only its rulers, came to develop a sense of shared descent or history and common identity. It was forged through the actions and struggles of common men and leaders.During the nineteenth century, nationalism led to the creation of nation-states in place of dynastic empires of Europe.
This answer will focus on the development of two nations – Italy and Britain.
Development of Italy
Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed king of united Italy in 1861.
Italy – Before Unification
- Italy was divided into seven states over the middle of the 19th century.
- The Bourbon kings of Spain dominated the Southern regions, Austrian Hasburgs controlled the North, and the Centre was ruled by the Pope.
- Out of seven states only one state was ruled by Italian princely house i.e. Sardinia-Piedmont.
Unification of Italy
- Italy faced political fragmentation over its long history.
- There was the multinational Habsburg Empire and several dynastic states scattered all over. Mazzini wanted an independent and united Italy.
- In order to drive out the Spanish rulers from the Southern regions of Italy, in 1860, a large number of armed volunteers under Garibaldi marched into the Kingdom of two Sicilies and South Italy. They won the support of Peasants.
- Hence in 1861, Italy had a new king, Victor Emmanuel II.
- Cavour took office as the first Prime Minister of Italy, after the declaration of the United Kingdom of Italy.
Development of Britain
The formation of the nation-state – Britain was a strange case.
- Before the 18th century there was no British nation.
- The ethnic identities of people who inhabited the British Isles were Scot, English, Irish, Welsh. Each of these ethnic groups had their own political and cultural traditions.
Subjugation of Ireland by England
- Incorporation of Ireland into the United Kingdom was done forcibly in 1801, after the revolt by United Irishmen (1798) led by Wolfe Tone failed.
Scotland – Subjugation of Culture by England
- England was able to impose its influence on Scotland through the Act of Union (1707). This Act was between Scotland and England, resulting in the formation of the ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain.
- After this act, English members dominated the British Parliament. Now the equation was England+Wales+Scotland+Ireland=United Kingdom of Great Britain
