Class 10 History Notes Ch 1 Rise of Nationalism in Europe PDF 2025-26

The Rise of Nationalism in Europe is a foundational chapter in Class 10 History that explains how modern nation-states emerged in 19th-century Europe. The chapter connects political events, social change and cultural movements to show how nationalism developed and reshaped Europe.

These Class 10 History Notes present complex events, ideas and nationalist movements in simple language using clear points, timelines and diagrams.

The Rise of Nationalism in Europe Class 10 Notes

These Class 10 History Chapter 1 notes present all major developments of European nationalism in a structured manner-definitions, events, leaders, and outcomes.

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What is Nationalism?

Nationalism is an ideology that creates a sense of collective identity among people who share common history, culture, language or territory and believe that they should be governed as an independent nation.

In 19th-century Europe, nationalism was closely linked with ideas of popular sovereignty, citizenship, and the rejection of dynastic rule.

Nationalism is an ideology that people sharing common characteristics - such as culture, language, history and traditions, should be united to form a nation.

Important points:

• It encourages political and territorial unity.
• Promotes independence and self-governance.
• Became particularly strong in 19th-century Europe due to social and political upheavals.

The French Revolution and Nationalism

The French Revolution (1789) played a key role in spreading nationalism across Europe:

• Introduced principles of liberty, equality and fraternity.
• Shifted focus from subjects of a monarchy to citizens of a nation.
• Inspired movements for independence and self-rule in Europe.

This revolution laid the foundation for modern nation-states and motivated people to seek freedom from foreign domination.

The Congress of Vienna (1815)

After Napoleon was defeated, the major European powers came together for a meeting called the Congress of Vienna. Their main aim was to bring Europe back to how it was before Napoleon changed everything.

They tried to create a balance of power so that no single country could become too strong and start another big war. To do this, Europe was broken into many small states and several of them were placed under foreign rulers. 

For example, Austria controlled parts of Italy and the German regions.

Impact on nationalism:

• People became dissatisfied with foreign rulers.
• Desire for political independence and unification grew stronger.
• People began to take pride in their own language, traditions and history.
• Concepts of democracy, liberty and self-rule inspired future movements.
• Citizens started questioning absolute monarchies and demanding reforms.

Nationalism in Italy

In the 19th century, Italy was not a single country. It was divided into many small states, each ruled by different powers. Life felt confusing for Italians and many were frustrated by foreign or separate rule.

Major states of Italy:

• Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont - north
• Kingdom of Naples - south
• Papal States - central Italy, ruled by the Pope
• Lombardy and Venetia - controlled by Austria

Even though Italy was divided into many states, Italians felt a strong sense of connection with one another. They shared the same language, followed similar cultural practices and traditions and took pride in their common history and heritage. 

These shared elements gave them a sense of belonging and identity, which became the foundation for the growing desire for unity and independence.

Impact - Rise of Nationalism:

• The aspiration for political unity and independence among Italians intensified.
• A collective sense of national identity, expressed as “We are Italians,” emerged as a unifying force.
• These sentiments provided the foundation for the movement toward Italian unification.

Major Leaders of Italian Unification

The unification of Italy was not the work of a single person, it was a combined effort of leaders who contributed in different ways. Here are the key figures:

1. Giuseppe Mazzini

• Founder of the revolutionary movement Young Italy, which aimed to free Italy from foreign rule and unite the separate states.
• Believed in democracy and a republic, where power would belong to the people rather than kings.
• Inspired ordinary Italians with his ideas of nationalism and patriotism, encouraging them to fight for a united Italy.

2. Count Camillo di Cavour

• Prime Minister of Sardinia-Piedmont, the most powerful northern Italian state.
• Focused on political strategy and diplomacy rather than just war.
• Built alliances with France and other powers to challenge Austrian dominance in northern Italy.
• Worked to modernize Sardinia-Piedmont, strengthening its economy and army to lead the unification effort.

3. Giuseppe Garibaldi

• Famous military leader known for leading the volunteer army called the Red Shirts.
• Played a key role in southern Italy, conquering the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
• Unlike Mazzini, he was willing to work with monarchs; he handed over the conquered territories to King Victor Emmanuel II, helping unify Italy under a single ruler.

Together, these leaders combined ideas, diplomacy and military action to achieve the dream of a united Italy.

Timeline of Italian Unification:

• 1861: Victor Emmanuel II became the first king of united Italy.
• 1870: Rome was captured, completing territorial unification.

Nationalism in Germany

In the 19th century, Germany was not a single country. After the Holy Roman Empire dissolved in 1806, the region was fragmented into many independent states, each with its own ruler. 

Despite this division, Germans shared a common language, culture and history, which gradually gave rise to the idea of nationalism, the desire to unite all German-speaking people under one nation.

Important leaders of German unification

1. Otto von Bismarck

• Served as Prime Minister of Prussia, the most powerful German state.
• Known for his “Blood and Iron” policy, emphasizing the use of military strength and diplomacy to achieve political goals.
• Skillfully orchestrated a series of wars to unify the German states under Prussian leadership.
• Preferred practical, strategic action over idealistic revolutions.

2. King Wilhelm I of Prussia

• Became the Emperor of unified Germany in 1871, symbolizing the success of unification.
• Worked closely with Bismarck, providing political and military support.

Key Event - Franco-Prussian War (1870-71):

Bismarck provoked France into declaring war on Prussia. This created a common enemy that encouraged the German states to unite. The German states successfully defeated France, which paved the way for the formation of the German Empire in 1871, with Wilhelm I as Emperor.

The 1848 Revolutions in Europe

The year 1848 is often called the “Year of Revolutions” because many European countries experienced uprisings at the same time. People in France, Italy, Germany and Austria rose up against the ruling powers, demanding change.

Causes:

1. Dissatisfaction with monarchies: Many rulers were seen as autocratic and out of touch, ignoring the needs and rights of their people.

2. Economic crises: Food shortages, unemployment and rising prices caused widespread hardship, pushing people to protest.

3. Demand for political representation: Citizens wanted more say in government, including constitutions, parliaments and democratic reforms.

Impact:

1. Although most revolutions failed to achieve immediate goals, they planted the seeds of nationalism and democracy across Europe.

2. In France, the revolutions led to the establishment of the Second Republic.

3. In Italy and Germany, the uprisings inspired nationalist movements that would later contribute to unification.

4. The revolutions showed that people were willing to challenge old systems and fight for freedom, rights and national identity.

Liberalism and Nationalism

Liberalism means freedom and equality for all citizens. In 19th-century Europe, liberal ideas such as individual rights, equality before law, freedom of speech and representative government inspired many nationalist movements. 

People wanted to end absolute monarchy and demanded governments chosen by the people. These liberal ideas supported nationalism because citizens believed a nation should be ruled by its own people, not by kings or foreign powers.

Cultural Nationalism

Cultural nationalism helped create a feeling of unity among people even before political unity was achieved. Language, literature, folk songs, poems, stories and traditions played an important role in developing a shared national identity. 

Writers and artists collected folklore and promoted native languages to awaken national pride and remind people of their common past.

Role of Foreign Powers

Foreign powers like Austria, France and Britain strongly influenced nationalist movements in Europe. 

Austria:

• Controlled large parts of Italy and German-speaking regions.
• Tried to suppress nationalist movements to maintain its influence.

France:

• Sometimes supported nationalist movements in other countries.
• Often acted to weaken rival powers rather than purely for nationalist ideals.

Britain:

• Generally followed a policy of non-intervention.
• Indirectly influenced political changes through diplomacy and trade.

Overall impact:

• Actions of foreign powers either slowed down or encouraged nationalism depending on their own political interests.

Conclusion

The chapter The Rise of Nationalism in Europe helps students understand how Europe changed politically and socially during the 19th century. 

It explains important ideas like nationalism and liberalism, along with key events such as the French Revolution and the unification of Italy and Germany. 

These class 10 ch 1 history notes cover all NCERT topics in simple and easy language. Overall, these class 10 sst history chapter 1 notes are ideal for last-minute revision and scoring well in exams.

FAQs

Q1. What is nationalism in Class 10 History Chapter 1?

Ans. Nationalism is the belief that people sharing a common language, culture, history and traditions should live together as one nation with political unity and self-rule.

Q2. Why is The Rise of Nationalism in Europe important for Class 10 students?

Ans. This chapter explains the formation of modern European nations and is frequently asked in board exams through short answers, long answers and source-based questions.

Q3. How did the French Revolution promote nationalism in Europe?

Ans. The French Revolution introduced ideas like liberty, equality and fraternity and replaced monarchy with citizenship, inspiring people across Europe to demand freedom and national unity.

Q4. Who were the key leaders of Italian unification?

Ans. The main leaders were Giuseppe Mazzini (ideology), Count Cavour (diplomacy) and Giuseppe Garibaldi (military action).

Q5. How did Otto von Bismarck unify Germany?

Ans. Bismarck used his “Blood and Iron” policy, combining war and diplomacy, especially through the Franco-Prussian War, to unify Germany under Prussian leadership.