Age Of Revolution

The history of Europe is riddled with wars, conflicts, revolutions, drastic societal, and political changes. The changes that occurred in European society during the 18th and 19th centuries were impactful to the extent that it would directly change the development of countries that interacted with European empires during the colonial era. This is most apparent during the age of revolutions, which many historians agree was from 1789-1848. The debate for what were the most significant casual factors in reshaping Europe during the age of revolution is argued by multiple historians, all with different perspectives. What was the most dominant causal factor in reshaping European society during the Age of Revolutions? Although some may argue that …show more content…
It sparked new radical beliefs in constitutionalism and individual rights as a result of the French monarchial structure crumbling. Although the ideals of constitutionalism and individual rights were already present as seen in the American revolution a decade earlier, the impact of the French revolution was the through the creation of the middle class and nationalism in European society. Unlike other revolutions at the time, the French revolution was ignited due to the collapse of the French economy as a result of the large debt caused by King Louis XVI, and made many essential resources extremely scarce to most French citizens. Notably, the economic collapse was not at the expense of the French aristocrats, which only created the extreme conditions that lead to a revolution. This backlash created the middle class and created the concept of nationalism in France, which became central part of many European …show more content…
Resulting in the focus on individuals’ decisions in politics rather than a parliamentary system as seen in Britain, which lead to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. The impact of the revolution brought Europe into a period of war that only bolstered nationalism. The risk of revolutionary ideas spreading to their domains, led them into wars against the new French government. As a resulted French victories shifted the balance of power in Europe, and exposed them to the new ideals of nationalism and liberal constitutionalism. The change that the French revolution brought to Europe would lead to multiple and reformations and changes in government structures across Europe. Although at the time, many preserved their monarchies, the changes came through representative governments as opposed to absolute monarchies, and changes in mercantilism with the power shifting to private