19th Century Nationalism

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19th Century Nationalism

Nationalism was the most successful political force of the 19th century. It emerged from two main sources: the Romantic exaltation of feeling and identity and the liberal requirement that a legitimate state be based on a people rather than a dynasty, God, or imperial domination. Political structure in Italy before 1861 consisted of many independent provinces. Different political structures were never forced, but internal fighting and rivalries were restricting any progress of unification. However, the people of Italy shared language, culture and a historical background. Italian leaders turned to nationalism in order to bring Italy together into a sovereign nation-state with independent rule. By the end of the 19th century, the British imperial control was beginning to withdraw from China. It is at this point that nationalist movements began to succeed in China, during the Chinese Revolution. Nationalism in Italy was directed around internal conflicts and was liberal, while Chinese nationalist movements often arose in opposition to colonialism from European countries, but both Italy and China were able to achieve the common goal of unity.

Nationalism in China is somewhat contradictory to nationalism in Italy. Both Italy and China wanted to be self-governed