What was the condition of Europe in 19th century?

▶ Europe and nations since 1945

▶ The first World War, 1914-1918

▶ The second World War, 1939-1945

▶ Europe and nations, 1918-1942

The French Revolution had repercussions that continued for over a century. Napoleon's rapid rise to power in post-revolutionary France changed the shape of Europe. After his failed attempt to unify the continent, Europe tried to return to the political/social divisions of the pre-Napoleonic Europe. Napoleon's legacy (Napoleonic Code and Nationalism) changed Europe forever. Meanwhile, Great Britain actually expanded political rights (most notably by ending slavery in the British Empire).

Legacy of Napoleon

Unsuccessful attempt to unify Europe under French domination
- Napoleonic Code
- Awakened feelings of national pride and growth of nationalism

Legacy of the Congress of Vienna

“Balance of power” doctrine
Restoration of monarchies
New political map of Europe
New political philosophies (liberalism, conservatism)

National pride, economic competition, and democratic ideals stimulated the growth of nationalism.

The terms of the Congress of Vienna led to widespread discontent in Europe (especially in Italy and the German states.)
Unsuccessful Revolutions of 1848 increased nationalistic tensions.
In contrast to continental Europe, Great Britain expanded political rights through legislative means and made slavery illegal in the British Empire.

Unification of Italy

Count Cavour unified Northern Italy.
Giuseppe Garibaldi joined southern Italy to northern Italy.
The Papal States (including Rome) became the last to join Italy.

Unification of Germany

Otto von Bismarck led Prussia in the unification of Germany through war and by appealing to nationalist feelings.
Bismarck’s actions were seen as an example of Realpolitik, which justifies all means to achieve and hold power.
The Franco-Prussian War led to the creation of the German state.

CLIP ONE: MINI-BIOGRAPHY OF NAPOLEON:
Napoleon Bonaparte was born in 1769 in France. He revolutionized military organization and training, sponsored Napoleonic Code, reorganized education and established the long-lived Concordat with the papacy. He died in 1821 in St. Helena.

CLIP TWO: (LONGER) BIO OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE