The Aristocracy and the New Middle Class

The dominant social and political class on the continent was the landed aristocracy. This class’s members had a common way of life that transcended geographic boundaries. Their families were frequently linked together by marriage. However, this powerful aristocracy included a relatively tiny number of people.

The development of towns and the rise of commercial classes relied on market-based production. Industrialization started in England in the second half of the eighteenth century, but it didn’t start until the nineteenth century in France and several of the German states. In its wake, new social groups emerged: a working-class population and middle-class populations comprised of industrialists, businessmen, and professionals. Following the abolition of aristocratic privileges, ideas of national unity gained popularity among the educated, liberal middle classes.

The Making of Nationalism in Europe | Class 10

In the mid-18th century, nation-states were not present in Europe and the whole of Europe was divided into kingdoms which were ruled by the monarchs who were fighting against each other for capturing more territories. The people did not share a common identity and history. The making of nationalism in Europe is based on many factors and agencies, which are discussed in the article.

The Making of Nationalism in Europe

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