Ep 5. The Origins of Nationalism, 1815-1863

The fifth episode of season 1 of A History of Eastern Europe, titled "The Origins of Nationalism, 1815-1863," examines the emergence of nationalism in Eastern Europe during the 19th century. The episode explores the impact of the Congress of Vienna in 1815, which aimed to redraw the map of Europe following the Napoleonic Wars, on the development of nationalism in the region. The episode covers the rise of national liberation movements in Poland and Hungary, and the use of nationalism as a political tool by both liberals and conservatives.

The episode delves into the cultural and linguistic diversity of Eastern Europe, exploring the tensions that arose as emerging national identities competed for dominance. The program examines the role played by intellectuals and cultural figures in the creation of national literatures and traditions, and how these identities were shaped both by internal forces and external factors such as imperialism and colonialism.

Drawing on a wealth of primary sources, the episode explores the various ways in which nationalism took hold in different Eastern European countries, from the formation of the Serbian state to the ethnic tensions that flared up in multinational empires like Austria-Hungary. The program also explores the impact of nationalist movements on the everyday lives of ordinary people, from the use of national languages in education and religion to the spread of popular nationalist folklore.

Throughout the episode, viewers will see how the emergence of nationalism in Eastern Europe was intertwined with larger global factors, from the Industrial Revolution to the rise of imperialism and the growing power of nation-states. The program traces the development of nationalist movements across the region in the decades leading up to World War I, helping to shed light not just on the origins of nationalism in Eastern Europe, but also on the broader historical forces that shaped the modern world as we know it.

"The Origins of Nationalism, 1815-1863" is a fascinating look into one of the most important historical movements of the modern era, and a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of Eastern Europe, nationalism, or the forces that shaped the modern world.