Reform and Revolution 1815-1848: Crash Course European History #25 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Europe in the early 19th century saw various forms of reform and activism alongside industrialization, with revolutions breaking out in France and struggles for independence in the Americas.

Key Insights

• ✋ The Congress of Vienna attempted to prevent revolutionary movements in Europe but was unsuccessful in stopping reform and activism.
• 👥 American independence movements influenced Europe as citizens' groups and reformist uprisings emerged throughout the continent.
• 😮 Europe saw a rising desire for literacy, constitutions, and the rule of law during the early 19th century period.
• 🥺 Russia faced internal challenges to the autocratic rule, but the Decembrists' defeat led to continued monarchy and repression.
• 🥺 The French Revolution of 1830 led to the installation of a constitutional monarchy, expanding voting rights but leaving many excluded.
• 🗯️ Struggles for change and rights in Britain included protests against the Corn Laws and the Peterloo Massacre.
• 🥺 Irish Catholics faced discrimination and economic hardships, leading to activism and eventually the Great Reform Act in 1832.

Transcript

Hi I’m John Green and this is Crash Course European History so today we’re looking at early 19th century Europe, which is to say everything from 1815 to 1848, when various forms of excrement hit various fans. You’ll recall that at the Congress of Vienna, Prince Metternich and his allies tried to extinguish the fires of social ferment and prevent an... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the significance of Simón Bolívar's inspiration from Napoleon?

Simón Bolívar took inspiration from Napoleon as a symbol of liberation from absolutism, which motivated his leadership in the independence movement against Spanish domination.

Q: How did literacy growth and the Enlightenment contribute to reform movements in Europe?

Literacy growth following the Enlightenment led to an emphasis on education, technology, and rational thought. This, in turn, fueled the desire for constitutions, the rule of law, and reform across Europe.

Q: What was the outcome of the Decembrist uprising in Russia?

The Decembrists, a group of aristocratic elites, challenged Tsar Nicholas I's rule in 1825. However, they were defeated, with many executed or exiled to Siberia. Despite their defeat, they established cultural centers in Siberia.

Q: How did the Great Reform Act of 1832 change the political landscape in Britain?

The Great Reform Act eliminated "rotten boroughs" and extended voting rights to middle-class property owners. However, the act still excluded most ordinary workers and all women from voting.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• In the early 19th century, Europe experienced a shift towards domestic policies and a focus on reform and activism.

• North, Central, and South American countries gained independence from Portugal and Spain, leading to a weakening of the Spanish and Portuguese empires.

• Across Europe, citizens' groups and reformist uprisings emerged, driven by a growing desire for literacy, constitutions, and the rule of law.