National sovereignty

Definition

National sovereignty is the principle that a state has the ultimate authority and independence over its territory, free from external interference. This concept connects deeply with ideas of self-determination, governance, and the rights of nations to control their own affairs without outside influence. In the 19th century, national sovereignty became a rallying point for various movements seeking independence or reform, as different groups sought to assert their right to self-govern and define their national identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the 19th century, national sovereignty was a crucial theme during various independence movements across Europe as nations sought to break free from empires and foreign rule.
2. The Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 is often cited as a foundational moment for the concept of national sovereignty, establishing the idea of territorial integrity and non-interference among states.
3. National sovereignty fueled the rise of nationalism, which played a significant role in unifying disparate groups within regions seeking independence or autonomy from larger empires.
4. Conflicts like the Greek War of Independence were driven by the desire for national sovereignty, where Greeks fought against Ottoman rule to establish an independent state.
5. The principle of national sovereignty was challenged by imperial powers throughout the century, leading to tensions between colonized nations seeking autonomy and their colonizers.

Review Questions

• How did the principle of national sovereignty influence early liberal and nationalist movements in 19th-century Europe?
  • The principle of national sovereignty played a pivotal role in early liberal and nationalist movements by empowering groups to challenge existing political structures that limited their autonomy. Liberals advocated for individual rights and self-governance, while nationalists pushed for collective rights and identity. Together, these movements sought to redefine political boundaries and establish states based on common cultural or ethnic identities, leading to widespread changes across Europe.
• Discuss how national sovereignty impacted the outcomes of national movements in Greece, Belgium, and Poland during the 19th century.
  • National sovereignty was central to the success of movements in Greece, Belgium, and Poland as each sought to assert their independence from larger empires. In Greece, national sovereignty was achieved after a protracted struggle against Ottoman rule. Belgium's movement led to its independence from Dutch control, reflecting a desire for self-determination based on cultural identity. Poland faced numerous challenges but continued to advocate for its sovereignty despite partitions by neighboring powers. Each case illustrates how the quest for national sovereignty shaped political landscapes in Europe.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of asserting national sovereignty during the 19th century on Europe's political map.
  • Asserting national sovereignty in the 19th century had profound long-term consequences for Europe's political map. The rise of nation-states led to the dismantling of empires like the Ottoman Empire and Austro-Hungarian Empire, resulting in new countries being formed based on ethnic or cultural lines. This reconfiguration created ongoing tensions between different nationalist groups and contributed to conflicts throughout the 20th century. The legacy of this period continues to influence contemporary discussions about self-determination and statehood in various regions around the world.

Related terms

Self-Determination: The right of a people or nation to determine its own political status and pursue its own economic, social, and cultural development.

Nationalism: A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often in opposition to foreign influence and in pursuit of national unity.

Popular Sovereignty: The principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.