The+Age+of+Ideology

= = = = = = = = = = == = = = Unit VII: The Age of Ideology: 1815-1850 (Chapter 23) =

Unit Summary
The “dual revolutions” of the late 18th century (the French and Industrial Revolutions) dramatically altered European history in the first half of the 19th century. This unit shows how conservative leaders tried to suppress the liberal ideas spawned by the French Revolution. This reactionary effort began at the Congress of Vienna that ended the Napoleonic wars and continued for thirty-five years under the leadership of the Austrian prince Metternich. At the same time, the mass relocation of western European farm workers into factory jobs created demands for more reforms, voting rights and better living conditions. These two forces collided in 1848 when revolutions broke out all over western and central Europe.

As you read about various upheavals, think about whether social and economic issues were more important to participants than political issues, and to what extent the three were intertwined. As you read about the ideologies, think about them as responses to the problems of the early 19th century world. Try not to project 21st century meanings on these ideologies. For example, “liberals” in the early 19th century were much more conservative than the term suggests today.

Reading Questions
Peace Settlement and Radical Ideas 747-758 Romantic Movement and Reforms 758-767 Revolution of 1848 767-774

Extra resources and links
Delacroix's famous Liberty Leading the People marks the moment that the Bourbon family was finally deposed in the revolution of 1830. Here is the Khan Academy link to a discussion of that excellent example of romanticism being linked to revolutions. []