Ap Euro Unit 5 Review

AP European History Unit 5 Review: Revolutions, Reactions, and the Rise of Nationalism

This comprehensive review covers AP European History Unit 5, focusing on the period of dramatic change from the late 18th to the mid-19th centuries. We'll explore the French Revolution and Napoleonic era, the subsequent Congress of Vienna and its impact, the rise of nationalism across Europe, and the revolutions of 1848. Understanding this period is crucial for success on the AP exam, as it lays the foundation for much of 19th and 20th-century European history.

I. The French Revolution (1789-1799): Causes, Stages, and Consequences

The French Revolution, a watershed moment in European history, wasn't a spontaneous event. Decades of ancien régime weaknesses – a rigid social hierarchy (the Three Estates), fiscal mismanagement, Enlightenment ideals promoting individual liberty and popular sovereignty, and a severe economic crisis – all contributed to its eruption.

Key Causes:

• Financial Crisis: Louis XVI's extravagant spending and costly involvement in wars (like the American Revolution) left France deeply in debt. Attempts at reform, like the Assembly of Notables, proved ineffective.
• Social Inequality: The rigid three-estate system, with the First Estate (clergy) and Second Estate (nobility) enjoying privileges and the Third Estate (commoners) bearing the brunt of taxation, fueled resentment.
• Enlightenment Ideas: Philosophers like Montesquieu, Rousseau, and Voltaire championed ideas of popular sovereignty, separation of powers, and natural rights, inspiring calls for reform and revolution.
• Weak Leadership: Louis XVI's indecisiveness and inability to address the nation's problems exacerbated the crisis.

Stages of the Revolution:

• The Moderate Phase (1789-1792): This period saw the storming of the Bastille, the abolition of feudalism, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. The National Assembly and later the Legislative Assembly attempted to establish a new political order.
• The Radical Phase (1792-1794): Marked by the overthrow of the monarchy, the Reign of Terror under Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety, characterized by mass executions and the suppression of dissent. This period saw the rise of Jacobin influence and the implementation of radical social and economic reforms.
• The Thermidorian Reaction (1794-1799): The execution of Robespierre marked the end of the Reign of Terror. A period of relative moderation followed, culminating in the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Consequences of the French Revolution:

• Spread of Revolutionary Ideas: The ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity spread across Europe, inspiring revolutionary movements in other countries.
• Rise of Nationalism: The revolution fostered a sense of French national identity and inspired the development of nationalism in other nations.
• End of Feudalism: The revolution abolished feudal privileges and led to the dismantling of the ancien régime.
• Napoleonic Era: The instability following the revolution paved the way for Napoleon's rise to power.

II. Napoleon Bonaparte and the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815)

Napoleon's rise to power marked a significant turning point in the French Revolution. He stabilized France, implemented legal reforms (the Napoleonic Code), and embarked on a series of military conquests that reshaped the map of Europe.

Key Aspects of Napoleon's Reign:

• Consolidation of Power: Through a series of coups and strategic alliances, Napoleon consolidated his power and established himself as First Consul, then Emperor.
• Military Campaigns: Napoleon's brilliant military campaigns led to significant territorial expansion, including victories over Austria, Prussia, and Russia. The Napoleonic Wars dramatically reshaped the political landscape of Europe.
• Napoleonic Code: This legal code unified French law and spread principles of equality before the law across Europe. It also reinforced patriarchal structures.
• Economic Reforms: Napoleon introduced economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the French economy and promoting economic growth. The Continental System, however, aimed at crippling Great Britain economically, ultimately failed.

III. The Congress of Vienna (1814-1815) and the Concert of Europe

Following Napoleon's defeat, the Congress of Vienna aimed to restore order and stability to Europe. The major powers – Great Britain, Austria, Prussia, and Russia – sought to prevent future revolutions and maintain a balance of power.

Key Decisions of the Congress of Vienna:

• Restoration of Monarchies: The Congress restored many of the pre-revolutionary monarchs to their thrones, aiming to suppress revolutionary sentiments.
• Redrawing of Borders: European borders were redrawn to create a balance of power and prevent any single nation from dominating the continent.
• Creation of the Concert of Europe: This system of international cooperation aimed to maintain peace and stability through diplomacy and collective action. Metternich, the Austrian statesman, was a key figure in establishing and maintaining this system.

The Congress of Vienna's Legacy:

While successful in maintaining a period of relative peace for several decades, the Congress also sowed the seeds of future conflict by ignoring nationalist aspirations and suppressing liberal movements. The imposed order created tensions that would eventually erupt in the revolutions of 1848.

IV. The Rise of Nationalism

The 19th century witnessed the rise of nationalism as a powerful force shaping European politics. Nationalism, the belief in the right of a nation to self-determination and independence, challenged the existing political order established by the Congress of Vienna.

Key Aspects of the Rise of Nationalism:

• Cultural Nationalism: The development of shared cultural identities, including language, literature, and traditions, fostered a sense of national unity.
• Political Nationalism: Nationalist movements sought to establish independent nation-states based on shared cultural identities. This often involved struggles against foreign rule or the unification of previously fragmented territories.
• Examples of Nationalist Movements: The unification of Germany and Italy are prime examples of successful 19th-century nationalist movements. Other nationalist movements, however, faced repression and failure.

V. The Revolutions of 1848

The revolutions of 1848, a series of uprisings across Europe, demonstrated the widespread discontent with the existing political order and the growing power of nationalist and liberal movements. These revolutions, though ultimately unsuccessful in achieving their long-term goals in many places, significantly impacted European history.

Causes of the Revolutions of 1848:

• Economic Hardship: Economic crises and widespread unemployment fueled social unrest and discontent.
• Political Repression: The conservative regimes established after the Congress of Vienna suppressed liberal and nationalist movements, leading to growing resentment.
• Spread of Liberal and Nationalist Ideas: The ideals of liberty, equality, and self-determination continued to inspire revolutionary movements.

Key Events of the Revolutions of 1848:

• France: The February Revolution in France overthrew the monarchy and established the Second Republic.
• German States: Revolutions broke out in various German states, leading to the Frankfurt Parliament's attempt to unify Germany.
• Austrian Empire: Nationalist revolts erupted within the Austrian Empire, challenging the Habsburg monarchy's authority.
• Italian States: Revolutions aimed at unifying Italy under a single government.

Consequences of the Revolutions of 1848:

• Short-Term Failures: Most of the revolutions were ultimately crushed by conservative forces.
• Long-Term Impact: The revolutions highlighted the growing power of nationalism and liberal ideas, setting the stage for further political change in the latter half of the 19th century. They also spurred further attempts at national unification in Germany and Italy.

VI. Key Figures and Concepts

Understanding the key individuals and concepts is vital for a strong grasp of Unit 5. Here are some crucial figures and terms:

• Maximilien Robespierre: Leader of the Committee of Public Safety during the Reign of Terror.
• Napoleon Bonaparte: Military and political leader who rose to power during the French Revolution.
• Klemens von Metternich: Austrian statesman who played a key role in the Congress of Vienna and the Concert of Europe.
• Giuseppe Mazzini: Italian nationalist leader who advocated for the unification of Italy.
• Otto von Bismarck: Prussian statesman who played a key role in the unification of Germany.
• Congress System: The system of international cooperation established after the Napoleonic Wars.
• Liberalism: A political ideology emphasizing individual rights, limited government, and constitutionalism.
• Conservatism: A political ideology emphasizing tradition, order, and social hierarchy.
• Nationalism: A political ideology emphasizing national identity, self-determination, and the creation of nation-states.
• Romanticism: An artistic and intellectual movement that emphasized emotion, intuition, and the sublime.

VII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What were the main differences between the liberal and conservative viewpoints in the 19th century?

A: Liberals advocated for individual rights, limited government, constitutionalism, and free markets. Conservatives, in contrast, championed tradition, order, social hierarchy, and the authority of monarchs. These differing viewpoints fueled much of the political conflict of the period.

Q: How did the French Revolution influence the rise of nationalism?

A: The French Revolution's emphasis on national identity and popular sovereignty inspired nationalist movements across Europe. The idea of a nation based on shared culture and language, rather than dynastic rule, became a powerful force.

Q: What were the long-term consequences of the Congress of Vienna?

A: While initially successful in establishing a period of relative peace, the Congress's suppression of liberal and nationalist aspirations created tensions that would eventually lead to further conflict. The imposed order ultimately proved unsustainable.

Q: Why did the revolutions of 1848 ultimately fail?

A: The revolutions of 1848 faced a number of challenges, including the lack of coordinated action among revolutionary groups, the strength of conservative forces, and the divisions within revolutionary movements themselves.

VIII. Conclusion

AP European History Unit 5 covers a period of profound transformation. Understanding the causes and consequences of the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, the Congress of Vienna, the rise of nationalism, and the revolutions of 1848 is essential for comprehending the development of modern Europe. By mastering the key concepts, figures, and events discussed in this review, you'll be well-prepared to succeed on the AP exam and gain a deeper appreciation for this pivotal era in European history. Remember to consult your textbook and other resources for additional information and to practice analyzing primary sources. Good luck with your studies!