Understanding the French Revolution is important if we are to make sense of the 19th century, so we must begin with it in order to make sense of a period marked by extraordinary social and economic progress, but also by dramatic, and sometimes revolutionary, political change.
Emerging from the revolutionary 1790s came Napoleon, perhaps the most influential individual of the 19th century. He is often remembered as a military leader, but he also had a huge impact on the development of Europe, as well as significantly influencing forms of government for decades to come.
Despite the efforts made to prevent any repetition of the French revolution, the year 1848 saw revolutionary upheavals across Europe. Why did these revolutions take place, and why were they mostly unsuccessful? What did they have in common, and in what ways were they different?
In the mid-1850s, Russia was humiliated in the Crimean War. Within a few years the new emperor, Alexander II, had begun a process of radical reform which was intended to transform the country. How successful was he, and how and why were these reforms largely undone by his successor?
Two of the most significant political changes of the period were achieved, not by revolutionaries but by other – and more powerful – forces. Italy and Germany, became nation states as a result of the expansion of dynamic monarchies. How did this happen?
For much of the 19th century, the Austrian empire – a multi-national state held together by its ruling Habsburg dynasty – struggled to survive. How did Austria attempt to meet the challenges of nationalism and revolution?
Learning outcomes
- To demonstrate an awareness of some of the principal events in Europe between
1789 and 1871;
- To reflect on the key themes in this period, as introduced in the sessions, and identify some of the main features within each theme;
- To discuss the impact of war, revolution and social change, making use of the preparatory reading from the course.
