Freemanpedia

The French Revolution had repercussions that continued for over a century. Napoleon's rapid rise to power in post-revolutionary France changed the shape of Europe. After his failed attempt to unify the continent, Europe tried to return to the political/social divisions of the pre-Napoleonic Europe. Napoleon's legacy (Napoleonic Code and Nationalism) changed Europe forever. Meanwhile, Great Britain actually expanded political rights (most notably by ending slavery in the British Empire).

Legacy of Napoleon

• Unsuccessful attempt to unify Europe under French domination
  • Napoleonic Code
  • Awakened feelings of national pride and growth of nationalism

Legacy of the Congress of Vienna

• “Balance of power” doctrine
• Restoration of monarchies
• New political map of Europe
• New political philosophies (liberalism, conservatism)

National pride, economic competition, and democratic ideals stimulated the growth of nationalism.

• The terms of the Congress of Vienna led to widespread discontent in Europe (especially in Italy and the German states.)
• Unsuccessful Revolutions of 1848 increased nationalistic tensions.
• In contrast to continental Europe, Great Britain expanded political rights through legislative means and made slavery illegal in the British Empire.

Unification of Italy

• Count Cavour unified Northern Italy.
• Giuseppe Garibaldi joined southern Italy to northern Italy.
• The Papal States (including Rome) became the last to join Italy.

Unification of Germany

• Otto von Bismarck led Prussia in the unification of Germany through war and by appealing to nationalist feelings.
• Bismarck’s actions were seen as an example of Realpolitik, which justifies all means to achieve and hold power.
• The Franco-Prussian War led to the creation of the German state.

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