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Isms of the Nineteenth Century

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From intellectual concepts of earlier eras to the philosophies that influenced the 18th century American and French Revolutions, liberalism, nationalism, and socialism evolved rapidly in the 19th century, turning more European hearts towards revolution and war and forging new nations. The Congress of Vienna installed legitimate monarchs and established the structures of conservative government. It provided for macro-level, Continental peace that would not end until World War I. Never the less, Metternich’s influential ways could not stop people’s minds nor limit discontent. Liberalism and the rising bourgeoisie in places like France and Prussia led to more revolutions. Nationalism inspired people to create new nations linked by common languages and cultures even when it caused more death. Socialism forced people to rethink the distribution of wealth and inspired more working class involvement in creating new nations. The attitude of the Congress of Vienna was against liberalism, reform, and the growth of smaller states; their objective was to maintain the existing balance of power. The French revolution scared monarchs and fearing rebellion in their nations, all turned to conservative policy. In response to protests from the “Burschenschaften” in Baden, Bavaria, and Wurttemberg, regimes reacted with conservative measures. They blamed the death of Karl Sand, another student, on the “Burschenschaften” in order to crush liberal groups. Metternich also issued the “Carlsbad Decrees” to decrease the “burschenschaften” and increase censorship. With the passing of the “Final Act” by the German Confederation, the right for monarchs to resist liberal demands was put back. When regimes witness protests for liberal reform, fear in response to the French Revolution returned and they only implemented more conservative policies. France established a limited monarchy with a bicameral legislature but Royalists resented the policy against redistributing property brought about from the confiscation and sale of aristocratic and church land. Under the Count of Artois, Royalists began a new White Terror against supporters of the king. Like Metternich, Napoleon responded by using liberals as scapegoats, for the assassination of the Duke of Berri. He became more repressing increased censorship. made arrests easier, and made Catholic control over all secondary education. When confronted with protests, already conservative regimes took even more conservative and reactionary measures to try and repress such conflicts. As more groups pushed for liberal reform within nations. it inspired more revolutions. Political liberalism original came from from Enlightenment thought. This stress on the power of the people and their ability to define th

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