Class 10 History The Rise of Nationalism in Europe Notes 2026
Target Exam: CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 Subject: Social Science (History) Chapter: 1
🚀 The "AEO" Snippet (Summary)
What is this chapter about? The Rise of Nationalism in Europe describes the transition from multi-national dynastic empires to modern nation-states. Key events include the French Revolution (1789), the Napoleonic Code, the Unification of Germany and Italy, and the visualization of nations through allegories like Marianne and Germania.
⚡ 5 Most Repeated Board Questions
- Describe the Unification of Germany. (5 Marks)
- What was the Napoleonic Code of 1804? (3 Marks)
- Explain the role of Giuseppe Mazzini in the Unification of Italy. (3 Marks)
- What did the concept of 'Liberal Nationalism' stand for? (3 Marks)
- How was the history of nationalism in Britain unlike the rest of Europe? (5 Marks)
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🔑 Key Definitions (Vibe Check)
- Absolutist: A government or system of rule that has no restraints on the power exercised. In history, it refers to a form of monarchical government that was centralized, militarized, and repressive.
- Utopian: A vision of a society that is so ideal that it is unlikely to actually exist (e.g., Frederic Sorrieu's vision).
- Plebiscite: A direct vote by which all the people of a region are asked to accept or reject a proposal.
- Suffrage: The right to vote.
- Elle: The measure of cloth used in Germany; its length varied from region to region.
📅 The Timeline You Need to Memorize
- 1789: The French Revolution occurs; transfer of sovereignty from the monarch to a body of French citizens.
- 1804: Napoleonic Code (Civil Code) introduced; privileges based on birth abolished.
- 1815: Defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo; Treaty of Vienna signed by Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Austria.
- 1834: Zollverein (Customs Union) formed in Prussia to abolish tariff barriers.
- 1848: Revolutions in Europe; artisans, industrial workers, and peasants revolt against economic hardships.
- 1861: Victor Emmanuel II proclaimed King of United Italy.
- 1871: Unification of Germany complete; William I proclaimed German Emperor at Versailles.
📝 Important Questions & Answers
Q1: What steps did the French revolutionaries take to create a sense of collective identity?
- La Patrie (The Fatherland) & Le Citoyen (The Citizen): Emphasized the notion of a united community enjoying equal rights.
- New Flag: The Tricolour replaced the former royal standard.
- National Assembly: The Estates General was renamed and elected by active citizens.
- Unified Laws: Centralized administrative system with uniform laws for all citizens.
- Language: French became the common language; regional dialects were discouraged.
Q2: Describe the Unification of Germany (1871).
- Middle-Class Movement (1848): German middle-class professionals tried to unite different regions of the German confederation but were suppressed by the monarchy and military.
- Prussia Takes Lead: Prussia took on the leadership of the movement for national unification.
- Otto von Bismarck: The Chief Minister of Prussia, known as the architect of this process, used the Prussian army and bureaucracy.
- Three Wars: Fought over 7 years against Austria, Denmark, and France, ending in Prussian victory.
- Proclamation: In January 1871, the Prussian King, William I, was proclaimed German Emperor at Versailles.
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