This post helps you understand what Nationalism is, when its clear-cut expression first came in France, and how the people of France achieved a collective identity. In addition, it also tells you about the Napoleonic Code and its key provisions.
Ch-1 The Rise of Nationalism in Europe (Part 1)
Nationalism
The term nationalism refers to the feeling of oneness based on common heritage, common identity, and a sense of belonging to one nation.
Frederic Sorrieu
- He was a French artist.
- Prepared a series of 4 prints in 1848.
- He visualised his dream of a world made up of democratic and social republics.
His vision – Utopian
In Sorrieu’s utopian vision, the people of the world are grouped as distinct nations.
Utopian
A vision of a society that is so ideal that it is unlikely to actually exist.
Ernest Renan: A French Philosopher
- Delivered a lecture at the University of Sorbonne in 1882.
- His lecture was published as “What is a Nation?”
Plebiscite
A direct vote by which all the people of a region are asked to accept or reject a proposal.
The French Revolution and the Idea of the Nation
The first clear expression of nationalism came with the French Revolution in 1789.
- Before 1789:- France was ruled by absolute monarchy.
- After 1789:- Transfer of sovereignty from monarchy to a body of French citizens (National Assembly).
Steps taken by French revolutionaries to create the sense of collective identity
- Ideas of la patrie (fatherland) and le citoyen (the citizen) were emphasised the notion of a united community.
- Adoption of new constitution with citizens enjoying equal rights.
- A new French flag was chosen to replace the former royal standard.
- The Estates General was elected by the body of active citizens and renamed the National Assembly.
- Formulation of centralised administrative system.
- Uniform laws for all within the territory.
- Abolition of internal custom duties.
- New hymns were composed and oaths were taken.
- Martyrs remembered in the name of nation.
- French became the national language.
- Regional dialects were discouraged.
Must Read
Rise of Nationalism in Europe – Part 2
After French Revolution
Creation of Jacobin clubs in the rest of the world by the students and other members of educated middle class in rest of Europe.
French army and Napoleonic wars carried the idea of nationalism to the rest of Europe.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Military dictator who destroyed democracy in France.
Napoleonic Code / Civil Code of 1804
- “Privileges based on birth abolished, and equality before law was established.”
- Secured the right to property.
- Administrative divisions were simplified.
- Peasants were freed from serfdom and manorial dues.
- Feudal system was abolished.
- Improvement in transport and communication systems.
- Removal of guild restrictions in towns.
- Uniform laws and standardisation of weights and measures
- Adoption of common currency.
Napoleonic Code
Exported to regions under French control:Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Dutch Republic, Holland.
French Armies
- Initially welcomed as a carrier of liberty.
Initial enthusiasm
- Soon turned into hostility.
New administrative arrangements –
- Snatched their political freedom.
Reasons for hostile sentiments against Napoleon
- Increased taxation
- Censorship
- Forced conscription into the French armies
Napoleon was finally defeated at Waterloo in 1815.
Source – NCERT
Also Read
Rise of Nationalism in Europe – Part 3