Essay Example on Nationalism in European Countries
Essay on Nationalism in European countries
There are many similarities and differences between the ideas of nationalism in United Germany and in the Austrian, Ottoman, and Russian Empires. Some of differences are caused because nationalism can either be a uniting factor, or it can cause widespread discontent among a country’s people. Nationalism, during this time, was banned in most empires because it was considered a threat to the traditional ways of life. Economic, social, or other structural problems can also cause nationalism to not be embraced in some countries.
In Germany, for example, the country’s constant successes in wars caused the German people to become nationalistic. These new thoughts of superiority overrode the economic and social problems of the time that were eventually mended by extensive reforms that were enforced by Otto Von Bismarck. Germany was considered the success story of Europe in creating a feeling of nationalism for these reasons.
However, in other empires, such as Austria, nationalism wasn’t inspired by any particular event because it was declining in power and influence. Minority groups, such as the Hungarians, were becoming restless because of constant oppression and cruelty. This problem was solved, though, when Francis Deak asked Austria’s ruler, Francis Joseph, if the Hungarians could break away and form their own country. This request was declined, but in its place, Francis Joseph changed the name of his country to Austria-Hungary. Even though this solved the problems of the Hungarians, many other minorities were now wanting their independence. This caused even more steps backward from nationalism in this country because if the people are not happy, then nationalism has no chance of growing and spreading.
Likewise, the Ottoman Empire continued its struggle to gain strength as a united empire. People, like in the Austrian Empire, were multinational which caused unification problems due to troubles with communication
There are many similarities and differences between the ideas of nationalism in United Germany and in the Austrian, Ottoman, and Russian Empires. Some of differences are caused because nationalism can either be a uniting factor, or it can cause widespread discontent among a country’s people. Nationalism, during this time, was banned in most empires because it was considered a threat to the traditional ways of life. Economic, social, or other structural problems can also cause nationalism to not be embraced in some countries.
In Germany, for example, the country’s constant successes in wars caused the German people to become nationalistic. These new thoughts of superiority overrode the economic and social problems of the time that were eventually mended by extensive reforms that were enforced by Otto Von Bismarck. Germany was considered the success story of Europe in creating a feeling of nationalism for these reasons.
However, in other empires, such as Austria, nationalism wasn’t inspired by any particular event because it was declining in power and influence. Minority groups, such as the Hungarians, were becoming restless because of constant oppression and cruelty. This problem was solved, though, when Francis Deak asked Austria’s ruler, Francis Joseph, if the Hungarians could break away and form their own country. This request was declined, but in its place, Francis Joseph changed the name of his country to Austria-Hungary. Even though this solved the problems of the Hungarians, many other minorities were now wanting their independence. This caused even more steps backward from nationalism in this country because if the people are not happy, then nationalism has no chance of growing and spreading.
Likewise, the Ottoman Empire continued its struggle to gain strength as a united empire. People, like in the Austrian Empire, were multinational which caused unification problems due to troubles with communication