Powerful Political Changes in the Nineteenth Century

Chapter 22: Ideologies and Upheavals

Thanks to the political and economic changes brought forth by the Industrial Revolution and French Revolution, Europeans began to think differently about life and what the best system of politics should be. New ideas began spring up all across the continent, some more powerful and radical than others, while some were more practical for the country they originated in. Revolutions due to nationalistic thinking sprung up around the continent, and many of them were in the very same year. Economics and politics were beginning to change and combine during these revolutions, which led to the idea of a dual revolution occurring at this time. Powerful emotions towards new nations and ideas also sprung up in literature, music, and art thanks to the Romantic Movement. During this time period, Europe began to change dramatically in both its politics and its culture.

In this blog I hope to discuss the multitude of political ideologies that came about during this time, with a focus on socialism, marxism (communism), and nationalism. I also want to touch upon the great number of revolutions that occurred during this time period and their effects, especially the ones of 1848. Finally, I want to talk about how these changes in both the politics and ideologies helped shape Europe and lead it to becoming what it is today.

EQ: "How did the revolutions of 1848 shape Europe and what was the overarching cause of all the revolutions?"

The revolutions of 1848 pretty much brought Europe into the shape that we know it as today with regards to political boundaries of nations. Greece became independent, the German States unified into the nation of Germany, and the Austrian empire would split into a multitude of countries including Hungary and Croatia. France would once again lead the way with revolution, and become a democratic nation after many years of struggle. Nationalism would be the force driving these revolutions as people were beginning to become more patriotic and supportive of their own nations, and were focusing on their own nation's growth and development instead of Europe's as a whole.