Nineteenth Century Europe: Autonomy and Responsibility Essay -- Essays

Nineteenth Century Europe: Autonomy and Responsibility In the nineteenth century, many changes were occurring throughout Europe. Many of these changes focused on the individual, which was an important aspect of European society. However, many changes also focused on the individuals responsibility to the nation. During this time, many individuals demonstrated their right to self-government through political systems such as liberalism, while also showing their loyalty to the nation through movements of nationalism and imperialism. During the time when Europeans became focused on the self, rather than society as a whole, liberals began to surface. Liberals promoted a limited government and desired to protect the rights of the individual. Liberalism was an autonomous political system, meaning the people believed they had the right or power of self-government. Liberals favored equality before the law for all citizens, religious toleration, and freedom of the press.1 During this period it was more important that the rights and duties of the people were acknowledged by the government, rather than the government focusing solely on gaining money and power. Many advancements were made during the nineteenth century that improved the self governing system that Europe desired. The Second Industrial Revolution occurred during which the agricultural and industrial world developed, improving the standard of living. Many Europeans began migrating to cities with the hopes of finding better jobs and better lives. The standard of living greatly improved and the autonomous system of liberalism prospered. As more and more individuals began focusing on their rights and duties as individuals, they also began focusing on their res... ...Western Civilization, 168. 6 War and Civilizationà ® in Rogers, Aspects of Western Civilization, 180. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bibliography Smith, Helmut Walser. German Nationalism and Religious Conflict: Culture, Ideology, Politics, 1870-1914. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1995. This book explores the relationship between religion and the national identity of Germany. In particular it touches on the conflict between Protestants and Catholics as Germany strove to create its own liberal identity. Smith also provides an analysis of the social, cultural, and political dimensions of German life. Finally, Smith explores the role of political Protestantism and the nature of the national identity in Germany today.