The Age of Nationalism

Following the Congress of Vienna, which sought to reinstate pre-Napoleonic borders and politics, various nationalist movements emerged with the goal of uniting states and territories into single nations. This period saw numerous revolutions and struggles for independence, alongside efforts to merge smaller states into larger entities. Countries such as Italy gained independence, while Germany unified its territories into the German Confederation and, later on, the German Empire. The Age of Nationalism began with the Revolution Year of 1848, also known as the Springtime of Nations. The revolutions originated in France and later spread to the German States, the Austrian Empire, Italy, and Hungary. These movements were characterized by large-scale demonstrations, the formation of temporary governments, and calls for increased political freedoms.