Ap Euro Unit 6 Review

AP European History Unit 6 Review: Revolutions, Romanticism, and Nationalism (1789-1848)

This comprehensive review covers AP European History Unit 6, focusing on the period from 1789 to 1848, a time of significant upheaval and transformation across Europe. We’ll delve into the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Era, the rise of Romanticism, and the burgeoning forces of nationalism that reshaped the political and social landscape. Understanding this period is crucial for success on the AP European History exam. This guide provides a detailed overview, key concepts, and strategies for mastering this challenging unit.

I. The French Revolution (1789-1799): A Storm of Change

The French Revolution, a pivotal event in European history, serves as the cornerstone of Unit 6. It’s essential to understand the underlying causes, key phases, and lasting consequences of this tumultuous period.

A. Causes of the Revolution:

• Enlightenment Ideals: Philosophers like Montesquieu, Rousseau, and Voltaire promoted ideas of popular sovereignty, separation of powers, and natural rights, inspiring calls for reform and challenging the absolute authority of the French monarchy.
• Economic Crisis: France faced crippling debt, exacerbated by lavish spending by the monarchy and involvement in costly wars. The inequitable tax system, where the Third Estate (commoners) bore the brunt of the burden, fueled resentment.
• Social Inequality: French society was rigidly stratified into three Estates, with the First (clergy) and Second (nobility) enjoying significant privileges while the Third Estate, comprising the vast majority of the population, lacked political representation and faced harsh economic realities.
• Weak Leadership: King Louis XVI's indecisiveness and lack of effective leadership contributed to the growing unrest and inability to address the mounting problems.

B. Key Phases of the Revolution:

• The Moderate Phase (1789-1792): This period witnessed the storming of the Bastille, the formation of the National Assembly, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, and the abolition of feudalism. The monarchy was initially retained, but its power was significantly curtailed.
• The Radical Phase (1792-1794): Marked by the execution of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the Reign of Terror under Maximilien Robespierre, and the rise of the Jacobins. This period saw widespread violence and attempts at radical social and political reform.
• The Thermidorian Reaction (1794-1795): Robespierre's execution marked the end of the Reign of Terror, and a more moderate government was established, though political instability persisted.
• The Directory (1795-1799): A weak and ineffective government, plagued by corruption and internal conflicts, ultimately paving the way for Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power.

C. Lasting Impact of the Revolution:

The French Revolution had a profound and lasting impact on Europe and the world, inspiring revolutionary movements and challenging traditional social and political structures. Key legacies include the spread of nationalist sentiments, the rise of republicanism, and the enduring influence of Enlightenment ideals on political thought.

II. The Napoleonic Era (1799-1815): Conquest and Reform

Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power marked a new chapter in French and European history. His military genius, ambitious reforms, and far-reaching conquests fundamentally reshaped the continent.

A. Napoleon's Rise to Power:

Napoleon seized power through a coup d'état in 1799, ending the instability of the Directory. His military victories solidified his position and allowed him to implement sweeping reforms.

B. Napoleonic Reforms:

• The Napoleonic Code: A comprehensive legal code that established a uniform system of laws across France, promoting equality before the law and protecting property rights.
• Centralized Administration: Napoleon established a highly centralized administrative system, streamlining government and improving efficiency.
• Economic Reforms: He implemented reforms to stabilize the French economy, including the establishment of the Bank of France.
• Educational Reforms: He established a national system of education, promoting meritocracy and standardization.

C. Napoleonic Wars and Conquests:

Napoleon's ambitious military campaigns led to the conquest of much of Europe. While initially spreading revolutionary ideals, his conquests ultimately led to widespread resistance and the formation of powerful coalitions against France. Understanding the major battles and campaigns, as well as the impact on different European nations, is crucial.

D. The Congress of Vienna (1814-1815):

Following Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo, the Congress of Vienna aimed to restore order and stability to Europe. The major powers – Great Britain, Austria, Prussia, and Russia – redrew the map of Europe, attempting to create a balance of power and prevent future conflicts. The Congress of Vienna's decisions had a profound impact on the political landscape of 19th-century Europe.

III. Romanticism (late 18th - 19th Centuries): A Reaction Against Enlightenment Rationalism

Romanticism, a powerful intellectual and artistic movement, emerged as a reaction against the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and order. It emphasized emotion, intuition, individualism, and the sublime power of nature.

A. Key Characteristics of Romanticism:

• Emphasis on Emotion and Intuition: Romanticism prioritized feelings and intuition over reason and logic.
• Celebration of Nature: Nature was seen as a source of inspiration, beauty, and spiritual renewal.
• Individualism and Subjectivity: Romanticism celebrated individual expression and unique perspectives.
• Interest in the Past: A fascination with medieval history, folklore, and legends.
• Nationalism: Romanticism played a significant role in fostering national identities and promoting the unification of nations.

B. Prominent Romantic Figures:

• Literature: William Wordsworth, Lord Byron, Victor Hugo, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
• Art: Caspar David Friedrich, Eugène Delacroix, Francisco Goya
• Music: Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Frédéric Chopin

Understanding the key characteristics of Romanticism and its influence on literature, art, and music is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the period.

IV. The Rise of Nationalism (1789-1848): A Force for Unity and Division

Nationalism, the belief in the importance of national identity and unity, became a powerful force shaping 19th-century Europe. This section explores the factors contributing to the rise of nationalism and its impact on the political landscape.

A. Factors Contributing to the Rise of Nationalism:

• The French Revolution: The revolutionary wars spread nationalist ideas across Europe, inspiring movements for national liberation and unification.
• Romanticism: Romantic ideals emphasized national identity and cultural uniqueness, fueling nationalist sentiment.
• Shared Language and Culture: A shared language, history, and culture fostered a sense of collective identity among people within a given nation.
• Political and Economic Factors: The desire for self-determination and the pursuit of economic independence also contributed to nationalist movements.

B. Examples of Nationalist Movements:

• German Nationalism: The unification of Germany in the 19th century exemplifies the power of nationalist sentiment.
• Italian Unification: Similar to Germany, Italy's unification was driven by powerful nationalist forces.
• Other Nationalist Movements: Nationalist movements also arose in other parts of Europe, including Poland, Hungary, and the Balkans.

Understanding the different manifestations of nationalism and its impact on the political map of Europe is vital for success in this unit.

V. Revolutions of 1848: A Wave of Uprisings Across Europe

The year 1848 witnessed a wave of revolutionary uprisings across Europe, challenging existing monarchies and demanding liberal reforms. While ultimately unsuccessful in achieving their long-term goals, these revolutions highlighted the growing tensions and the desire for change.

A. Causes of the Revolutions:

• Economic hardship: Widespread poverty and unemployment fueled social unrest.
• Political repression: Restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly fueled discontent.
• Nationalist aspirations: Nationalist movements sought to achieve self-determination and independence.
• Liberal ideas: The spread of liberal ideas inspired calls for greater political participation and reform.

B. Key Events of 1848:

The revolutions of 1848 unfolded differently across Europe. It’s important to understand the key events in France, Austria, Prussia, and other affected countries. Understanding the unique circumstances and outcomes in each nation is crucial.

C. Outcomes of the Revolutions:

Despite the initial successes of some revolutionary movements, the revolutions of 1848 ultimately failed to achieve their long-term objectives. However, they highlighted the growing tensions and the persistent demand for political and social change. The failures laid the groundwork for future conflicts and movements for reform.

VI. Conclusion: A Period of Transformation and its Lasting Legacy

The period from 1789 to 1848 represents a pivotal era in European history. The French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, the rise of Romanticism, and the burgeoning forces of nationalism irrevocably transformed the political, social, and intellectual landscape of Europe. Understanding this period requires a grasp of the interplay between these forces and their lasting impact on the course of European history. Mastering this unit will significantly enhance your understanding of subsequent historical events and your performance on the AP European History Exam.

VII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: What is the significance of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen?

  • A: The Declaration, adopted by the National Assembly in 1789, is a foundational document of the French Revolution. It proclaimed fundamental human rights, including liberty, equality, and fraternity, and profoundly influenced the development of human rights discourse globally.

• Q: How did Napoleon's reforms impact France and Europe?

  • A: Napoleon's reforms, while implemented to strengthen his authority, had lasting impacts on both France and Europe. The Napoleonic Code, for example, remains a cornerstone of many legal systems. His centralized administrative system improved efficiency and inspired similar reforms elsewhere. However, his conquests led to widespread conflict and ultimately contributed to the rise of nationalism in many countries.

• Q: What were the main differences between the Enlightenment and Romanticism?

  • A: The Enlightenment emphasized reason, logic, and objectivity, while Romanticism prioritized emotion, intuition, and subjectivity. The Enlightenment focused on order and structure, while Romanticism celebrated individualism and the power of nature.

• Q: Why did the Revolutions of 1848 fail?

  • A: The revolutions of 1848 ultimately failed due to a combination of factors, including internal divisions among revolutionaries, the strength of conservative forces, and the lack of effective coordination between different revolutionary movements across Europe. The lack of a unified vision and the powerful reaction from established powers contributed to their demise.

• Q: How did nationalism impact the map of Europe in the 19th century?

  • A: Nationalism played a crucial role in reshaping the political map of Europe during the 19th century. It fueled movements for national unification, such as the unification of Germany and Italy, but also led to conflicts and tensions between different national groups.

This comprehensive review provides a strong foundation for your understanding of AP European History Unit 6. Remember to consult your textbook, class notes, and other resources to further expand your knowledge and prepare for the AP exam. Good luck!