NATIONALISM and REVOLUTIONS, 1750-1900 [AP World History Review—Unit 5 Topic 2]

This paragraph introduces the concept of nationalism as a key factor in the rise of revolutions during a certain historical period. It explains how nationalism, based on shared language, religion, social customs, and a desire for territory, emerged as a powerful sentiment. The script discusses how states like the Ottoman and Mongol Empires were diverse but the idea of people with a shared culture ruling themselves in their own territory became prevalent. It also touches on how some states attempted to use this nationalist fervor to unify their people, as seen with Russian leaders promoting the Russian language, but this backfired in places like Ukraine, Poland, and Finland, where it sparked a counter-nationalistic movement against Russian authority.

The second paragraph delves into the widespread discontent with monarchist and imperial rule, setting the stage for revolutions. It highlights the general historical aversion to oppressive governance and focuses on the Atlantic revolutions, emphasizing the global context of rejecting authority. It mentions the Safavid Empire's struggle with taxes and rebellions, and the Wahhabi movement within the Ottoman Empire. The paragraph then transitions to the development of new ideologies like popular sovereignty, democracy, liberalism, and the protection of civil rights and private property, which were central to the Enlightenment thinkers and the governmental structures they envisioned.

This paragraph outlines the major Atlantic revolutions inspired by democratic ideals. It begins with the American Revolution of 1776, detailing the British colonies' development of a distinct culture and the subsequent imposition of taxes by Britain, leading to the revolution. The Declaration of Independence is highlighted as a key document embodying Enlightenment principles. The French Revolution of 1789 is next, with French soldiers returning from the American Revolution bringing democratic ideals and contributing to the rebellion against the absolutist monarchy. The Haitian Revolution of 1791 is also discussed, where the enslaved black population, inspired by the French Revolution, revolted under the leadership of Toussaint Louverture, leading to the establishment of the second republic in the Western Hemisphere and the first black government in the region. The paragraph concludes with an introduction to the Latin American Revolutions, where Enlightenment ideas influenced the desire for independence from Spanish and Portuguese colonial rule.

The final paragraph expands on the broader impact of nationalism beyond full-blown revolutions, discussing movements that sought greater self-rule or national unification. It mentions the Propaganda Movement in the Philippines, where Spanish racial hierarchy and control over education led to Filipino students embracing nationalist and Enlightenment ideas upon their return from Europe. This eventually sparked the Philippine Revolution. The paragraph also covers the unification of Italy and Germany, where nationalist movements inspired by military leaders led to the unification of fragmented states under single governments, despite the challenges posed by diplomacy and military tactics. The summary concludes with a call to action for viewers to review for unit 5 and consider using video note guides for a more digestible learning experience.