Cookie Policy

Our website uses cookies to understand content and feature usage to drive site improvements over time. To learn more, review our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Nationalism and Revolutions in the Period from c. 1750-1900 CE

Driving Question: How did different parts of the world experience the revolutionary transformations that occurred from c. 1750 to 1900 CE?

Revolutionary ideas came from a desire to change how society and government were structured. These ideas challenged old traditions and called for fairness and equality. Enlightenment thinkers helped shape these beliefs by promoting rights of the individual and the notion that power came from the people. Combined with economic struggles and political complaints, these ideas led to movements for more just and inclusive societies.

Learning Objectives

  1. Explain the causes and effects of the various revolutions in the period from 1750 to 1900.
  2. Use graphic biographies to support, extend, or challenge the overarching narratives from this period. 
  3. Analyze primary source documents to evaluate the intellectual and ideological causes of political revolutions from c. 1750 to 1900 CE.

Vocab Terms:

  • aristocracy
  • autonomy
  • bourgeoisie
  • ethnic nationalism
  • liberal
  • radical
  • republic
STEP 1

Opener: Nationalism and Revolutions

STEP 2

The Haitian Revolution

Sometimes a revolution is just the beginning of real change. Was this the case with the Haitian Revolution? This video may provide some answers.

The Haitian Revolution External link

The Haitian Revolution defeated the French Empire, abolished slavery, and shook the foundations of the Atlantic slave economy. But the struggle didn’t end there.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 3

Causation: Recipe for a Revolution

What are the ingredients for a revolution? A dash of discontent? A sprinkle of disruptive events? The materials below may help you cook up some ideas about the causes of revolution!

STEP 4

Revolutionary Women

What makes someone a revolutionary? You will research some women who exhibited revolutionary behavior—and even create a public relations campaign for one!

STEP 5

Nationalism

Is nationalism a good or bad thing? The answer is probably more nuanced than a binary choice might suggest. This video will help you clarify your ideas about the effects of nationalism.

Nationalism External link

Nationalism has been the most impactful ideology of the modern world. It has allowed mass cooperation and produced mass violence. So, is it good or bad?

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 6

The World Revolution of 1848

Colonialism and industrialization benefitted a few countries but created a massive amount of conflict as well. What led to multiple revolutions during this era of increased global connection?

STEP 7

Source Collection: Revolutions

How did the revolutions of this era impact the themes of governance, economic systems, social interactions, and cultural developments? The primary sources in this collection will help you formulate a response to this question. We recommend you use the Quick-Sourcing Tool to complete this exercise.

Extension Materials
Checkmark Alert Banner
Illustrative examples galore!! Below you’ll find numerous opportunities to expand learning through illustrative examples for Topic 5.2 in the AP® CED, as well as a even deeper dive into causes of revolution.
...

Calls for National Unification or Liberation

From Italy to Germany, to West Africa and Latin America, the resources below offer a global look at calls for national unification or liberation during this period of revolution.

...

Deeper Dive: Causes of Revolt

You’ve learned a lot about revolutions during this period. In this article, you will examine the specific economic conditions that led to revolutions at this time.