Ch-1

The Rise of Nationalism in Europe

Let’s Learn

Joseph Ernest Renan (28 February 1823 – 2 October 1892) was a French expert of Semitic
languages and civilizations (philology), philosopher, historian, and writer, devoted to his native province
of Brittany. He is best known for his influential historical works on early Christianity, and
his political theories, especially concerning nationalism and national identity. Renan is credited as being
among the first scholars to advance the Khazar theory, which held that Ashkenazi Jews were descendants
of Turkic peoples who had adopted Jewish religion and migrated to Western Europe following the
collapse of their khanate.
What is a Nation? (Qu'est-ce qu'une nation?) is an 1882 lecture by French historian Ernest Renan,
known for the statements that a nation is "a daily referendum", and that nations are based as much on
what the people jointly forget, as what they remember. It is frequently quoted or anthologized in works of
history or political science pertaining to nationalism and national identity. Renan wrote "What is a
Nation" in order to symbolize the nationalism which was born in France as a result of the French
Revolution of 1789. He criticizes the notion suggested by others that a nation is formed by a common
language, race, religion, or territory:
‗A nation is the culmination of a long past of endeavours, sacrifice and devotion. A heroic past, great
men, glory that is the social capital upon which one bases a national idea. To have a common glories in
the past, to have a common will in the present, to have performed great deeds together, to wish to perform
still more, these are the essential conditions of being a people. A nation is therefore a large-scale
solidarity… Its existence is a daily plebiscite… A province is its inhabitants; if anyone has the right to be
consulted, it is the inhabitant. A nation never has any real interest in annexing or holding on to a country
against its will. The existence of nation is a good thing, a necessity even. Their existence is a guarantee of
liberty, which would be lost if the world had only one law and only one master.‘

Find out
Summarize the attributes of a nation, as Renan understands them. Why, in his view, are nations important?

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 LEVEL – 1

Objective Type Questions

Q1. Fill in the blank:-

__________ adopted the policy of blood and iron for the unification of Germany.

Q2. Correctly match the following:-

Q3. Correct the statement:-

Cavour is considered the Bismarck of Germany.

Q4. Choose the correct option:-

Generally a blindfolded woman carrying a pair of weighing scales represents:-

a) Equality

b) Liberty

c) Secularism

d) Justice

Q5. Write True (T) or False (F) at the end of the statements:-

(I)The theory of separation of powers as by frederic sorrieu.

(ii) Garibaldi formed the Red Shirt army of volunteers.

(iii) The French Revolution occured in 1815.

(iv) Metternich said "When France Sneezes the rest of Europe catches cold."

(v) Zollverein was a customs union of Germany.

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 LEVEL-2

Answer the following questions in 20-40 words:

Q6. Who was frederic sorrieu?

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Q7. Define nation-state.

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Q8. What was the objective of Treaty of Vienna?

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Q9. Define romanticism.

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Q10. Give the meaning of the term Absolutist.

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LEVEL-3

Answer the following questions in 80-100 words:

Q11. Explain the concept of liberal nationalism which developed in Europe in early 18 th century.

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Q12. What do you mean by conservatism? Highlight the main feature of the beliefs.

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Q13. ―There were no nation states in Europe in the 17th century‖. Explain with the help of examples.

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Q14. How did the Greek War of Independence mobilise nationalist feeling among the educated elite across
Europe?

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Q15. Explain any five provisions of Napoleon‘s Civil Code of 1804.

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Q16. How had the female figures become an allegory of the nation during the 19th century in Europe?
Analyse.

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Q17. Why did nationalist tensions emerge in the Balkans?

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Q18. Analyse the measures and practices introduced by the French revolutionaries to create a sense of
collective identity amongst the French people.

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LEVEL-4

Q19. The decade of 1830 had brought great economic hardships in Europe‘. Support the statement with
arguments.

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Q19. Culture had played an important role in the development of nationalism in Europe during the 18th
and 19th centuries. Support the statement with examples.

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Q20. Describe the process of unification of Germany.

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Q21. Describe the process of unification of Italy.

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Q22. Describe the process of unification of Britain.

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Q23. How did the local people in the areas conquered by Napoleon react to French rule? Explain.

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