Liberalism, Nationalism, and Democracy in the 19th Century

Liberalism, Nationalism, and Democracy

The revolutions of the 19th century were a result of:

• The restoration of the Ancien Régime.
• The appearance of new ideologies: liberalism, nationalism, and democracy.

Liberalism

Liberalism was an important ideology that emerged in the 18th century with the following characteristics:

• Result of the Enlightenment.
• National sovereignty.
• Constitutional monarchy.
• Separation of powers.
• Limited suffrage.
• Freedom of association, expression, and religion.
• Freedom of the press.

Nationalism

Nationalism was an important ideology that appeared in the 19th century with the following characteristics:

• The nation is based on a population with common links (culture, religion, history, language).
• Popular sovereignty.
• Each nation should choose its own form of government.
• Independent nation-states with clearly defined borders.
• Types of nationalism:
  • Unification nationalism: Defended the unification of independent states with common links (e.g., Italy and Germany).
  • Separatist nationalism: Defended independence for regions that formed part of multinational states (e.g., Ottoman Empire).

Democracy

Democracy was an important ideology that appeared in the 19th century with the following characteristics:

• Defended by peasants, the proletariat, and the petite bourgeoisie.
• Advocated for a Republic.
• Universal suffrage.

Imperialism

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a number of developed countries took control of other regions all over the world. These subordinated regions were called colonies, which formed part of different colonial empires.

Causes of Imperialism

• Rise of finance capitalism: Increased production forced industrialized countries to look for new resources outside Europe.
• Colonies served as a symbol of international prestige.
• Population growth in Europe and the use of machines in factories caused high levels of unemployment.
• Scientific progress.
• Supremacy of white people: Indigenous populations were often considered less civilized.

Major Colonial Empires

• British Empire: Colonized areas of America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
• French Empire: Colonized areas of America, Asia, and Africa.
• United States: Extended its influence in Latin America and Central America.
• Japan: Focused its attention on Korea and Manchuria.

Consequences of Imperialism

• Colonies were controlled by a European minority.
• Native people were relegated to second-class status.
• Racial segregation was common.
• Political rivalry between imperial powers intensified.
• The world economy became extremely imbalanced, with wealthy nations controlling industry and trade.