Influential Ideologies of the Nineteenth Century

This week during class, we learned about the major political ideologies of the 19th century and how they influenced social and political action. To help learn and introduce these concepts to the class, students developed presentations and skits to define these ideologies and explain their effectiveness on 19th century society. In order to define these important concepts of nationalism, liberalism, and conservatism, many students used the software, Chatterpix to depict 19th people describing their ideology through historical images. My group, however, created a skit to describe the ideology of nationalism. These presentations furthered the students' understanding of 19th century systems of political belief and how they influenced the social and political action of their time.

For my group's presentation, we made a skit to introduce the ideology of nationalism. Before the skit commenced, I read a brief summary on the concept of nationalism. This summary explained that nationalism is the belief that nations are natural entities that have natural boundaries and consist of people that share language, culture, and history. Nationalism motivated people to be more unified within their country and encouraged the expulsion of foreign rulers. It also motivated people to improve themselves and to become the best nation possible. An example of nationalism is Germany unifying its small countries to create one nation. To further explain this concept, we acted out the unification of Germany. One member of the group represented France and conquered other members of the group who represented separate parts of Germany. Small German countries then combined into one nation to conquer France. To depict the creation of one German nation, the three colors of the German flag were pieced together to create one flag. Nationalism influenced political action in the 19th century by encouraging citizens to fight against foreign rulers to prevent tyranny or dictatorship. Social action was influenced as small countries combined to form one united nation.

Other ideologies represented by student presentations included conservatism and liberalism. Conservatism is the ideology that asserted that tradition is the only trustworthy guide to social and political action.Conservatives influenced political action as they opposed any form of revolution. Conservatives opposed innovation and reform and believed that only bloodshed and chains would result from violence. Conservatives influenced social action by striving to preserve aristocracy and monarchy. Through the preservation of aristocracy and monarchy, social classes were also encouraged. Lastly, the last ideology of liberalism was explained as the belief that the task of government was to promote individual liberty. Liberalism affected political actions by asserting that there are natural God-given rights. During the 19th century, two important philosophers, John Locke and Adam Smith were considered the fathers of liberalism and motivated people to think with reason. These natural rights were granted to everyone, excluding women and the poor. Contrasting conservative views, liberals encouraged innovation and reform. Liberals affected social action in Europe by creating constitutional monarchy, preventing tyrannical rule, and encouraging middle class participation in government matters. Through the use of these three ideologies, 19th century society had differentiating views on political and social matters in Europe.

Referenced Websites:

The French Revolution Had Challenged Europeans' Beliefs In And Assumptions About, Society; The Second Industrial Revolution Seemed To Be Transforming Society At A, Dizzying Pace. In Order To Cope With These Changes, And To Answer The Questions Posed, and By Them, Nineteenth Century European Intellectuals Created, Or Elaborated On, A Variety. "Conservatism Introduction." CONSERVATISM Introduction (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 23 Oct. 2014

Props Used During Presentation:

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