4.1 Key Liberal and Nationalist Ideologies

Liberalism and nationalism shaped 19th-century Europe profoundly. These ideologies championed individual rights, limited government, and national identity, sparking political reforms and cultural revivals across the continent.

However, they also had darker sides. While promoting progress and self-determination, liberalism and nationalism sometimes led to social inequality, minority suppression, and aggressive foreign policies that would have lasting consequences.

Core Principles of Liberalism

Fundamental Tenets and Philosophical Foundations

Top images from around the web for Fundamental Tenets and Philosophical Foundations

• 

  19th Century Feminist Movements – HUM210 Introduction to Women and Gender Studies View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:John Stuart Mill, Principles of Political Economy with some of their Applications to Social ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Hai khảo luận về Chính quyền – Wikipedia tiếng Việt View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  19th Century Feminist Movements – HUM210 Introduction to Women and Gender Studies View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:John Stuart Mill, Principles of Political Economy with some of their Applications to Social ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Fundamental Tenets and Philosophical Foundations

• 

  19th Century Feminist Movements – HUM210 Introduction to Women and Gender Studies View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:John Stuart Mill, Principles of Political Economy with some of their Applications to Social ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Hai khảo luận về Chính quyền – Wikipedia tiếng Việt View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  19th Century Feminist Movements – HUM210 Introduction to Women and Gender Studies View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:John Stuart Mill, Principles of Political Economy with some of their Applications to Social ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Individual liberty, limited government, and free-market economics formed the core principles of 19th-century liberalism
• Natural rights philosophy articulated by John Locke underpinned liberal ideology
  • Individuals possess inherent rights governments should protect
  • Rights include life, liberty, and property
• Constitutional government and rule of law advocated as checks on power
  • Led to development of constitutional monarchies (United Kingdom) and republics (France)
• Economic liberalism championed by Adam Smith and David Ricardo
  • Promoted laissez-faire capitalism and free trade
  • Influenced economic policies (repeal of Corn Laws in Britain, 1846)
• Civil liberties and equality before the law challenged traditional hierarchies
  • Contributed to expansion of voting rights (Reform Acts of 1832 and 1867 in Britain)
  • Promoted religious tolerance (Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829 in Britain)

Impact on Political Thought and Policy

• Shaped political discourse and policymaking throughout Europe
• Emphasis on progress and reform led to advocacy for:
  • Improved education (Education Act of 1870 in England)
  • Social welfare initiatives (Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 in Britain)
  • Scientific advancement (funding for research institutions)
• Influenced international relations
  • Promoted peaceful cooperation between nations
  • Supported national self-determination (Italian and German unification movements)

Liberalism vs Nationalism

Interplay and Shared Concepts

• Liberalism and nationalism often developed in tandem during the 19th century
• Both ideologies emphasized self-determination and popular sovereignty
• Concept of civic nationalism rooted in liberal principles
  • Promoted nation based on shared citizenship and values
  • Influenced formation of national identities (France, United States)
• Liberal nationalism advocated for constitutional governments within nation-states
  • Played crucial role in revolutions of 1848 (France, German states, Austrian Empire)
  • Contributed to political reforms across Europe (adoption of constitutions)

Tensions and Conflicts

• Tension between liberal universalism and nationalist particularism created complex dynamics
  • Cosmopolitan ideals sometimes clashed with national interests
• Economic liberalism's promotion of free trade often conflicted with nationalist protectionism
  • Shaped debates on economic policy (Zollverein in German states)
  • Influenced international relations (Anglo-French trade agreement of 1860)
• Combination of liberal and nationalist ideologies contributed to erosion of multi-ethnic empires
  • Ottoman Empire (Greek War of Independence, 1821-1832)
  • Habsburg Empire (Hungarian Revolution of 1848)
• Liberal nationalism's emphasis on cultural unity led to standardization policies
  • Sometimes occurred at expense of minority cultures and languages
  • Examples include language policies in France and Italy

Key Thinkers of Liberalism and Nationalism

Liberal Philosophers and Their Works

• John Stuart Mill's "On Liberty" (1859) articulated comprehensive liberal philosophy
  • Emphasized individual freedom and limits of state power
  • Influenced liberal thought throughout Europe and beyond
• Benjamin Constant distinguished between "ancient" and "modern" liberty
  • Speech "The Liberty of the Ancients Compared with that of the Moderns" (1819)
  • Shaped understanding of liberal freedoms in context of modern nation-states
• Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America" (1835-1840) analyzed democratic institutions
  • Provided nuanced view of democracy's relationship to individual liberty
  • Influenced liberal thinking on governance and social equality

Nationalist Thinkers and Their Contributions

• Giuseppe Mazzini's writings synthesized liberal and nationalist ideas
  • "The Duties of Man" (1860) promoted concept of unified Italy
  • Inspired nationalist movements across Europe (Young Italy, Young Europe movements)
• Johann Gottfried Herder's work emphasized cultural nationalism
  • Influenced romantic nationalist movements in Central and Eastern Europe
  • Promoted idea of unique national character (Volksgeist)
• Ernest Renan's lecture "What is a Nation?" (1882) challenged ethnic nationalism
  • Proposed civic model based on shared values and collective memory
  • Influenced debates on national identity and citizenship

Economic Thinkers and Their Theories

• Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations" (1776) laid foundation for economic liberalism
  • Advocated for free market and division of labor
  • Influenced economic policies throughout 19th century
• David Ricardo developed theory of comparative advantage
  • Promoted international free trade
  • Shaped economic relations between nations
• Friedrich List's "The National System of Political Economy" (1841) offered alternative view
  • Advocated for protectionist policies to support national industrial development
  • Influenced economic nationalism in Germany and other developing nations

Strengths and Weaknesses of Liberalism and Nationalism

Positive Impacts and Achievements

• Provided powerful critique of absolutist monarchies and multi-ethnic empires
  • Fostered movements for political reform (Chartist movement in Britain)
  • Promoted national self-determination (Italian Risorgimento)
• Liberal economic policies promoted industrialization and technological innovation
  • Contributed to significant economic growth (Industrial Revolution in Britain and Germany)
  • Increased international trade (growth of global commerce)
• Liberal nationalism laid groundwork for more democratic political systems
  • Expanded citizenship rights (gradual extension of suffrage)
  • Promoted constitutionalism (Belgian Constitution of 1831)
• Nationalist movements inspired cultural revivals
  • Preserved local languages and traditions (Czech National Revival)
  • Fostered sense of shared identity and heritage within nations

Negative Consequences and Limitations

• Emphasis on national unity often led to suppression of minorities
  • Marginalization of ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups (treatment of Jews in many European countries)
  • Assimilation policies (Russification in the Russian Empire)
• Laissez-faire economic approach resulted in social inequalities
  • Poor working conditions in factories
  • Urban poverty and slums (London's East End)
• Combination of liberal and nationalist ideologies sometimes led to aggressive foreign policies
  • Imperial ambitions (Scramble for Africa)
  • International tensions (Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871)
• Extreme forms of nationalism laid ideological foundations for future conflicts
  • Racial and ethnic supremacy theories
  • Contributed to rise of fascism in 20th century