Rise of the Nation State

• During the Middle Ages, Europe was divided into small political units often based on religion with strong regional and religious loyalties.

• In the 16th century, Europe saw the rise of nation-states replacing small units; countries like England, France, Spain, Portugal, Sweden became strong nation-states.

• Nation-states developed national literature, national language, and a national awakening, moving away from Latin traditions.

• The feeling of patriotism was central to the rise of nation-states.

• Machiavelli in Italy, in his book The Prince, supported the idea of a strong monarchy for public welfare and national strength; his book became the Bible of rulers.

• Other causes for the rise of absolute monarchies included Crusades, rise of middle class, fall of feudalism, nationalism, trade revolution, opposition to the church, military progress, and geographical explorations.

• England and France were early nation-states; the Hundred Years War (1337-1453) fostered nationalism but weakened England, which lost French territories.

• England faced a 30-year conflict between the Lancaster and York families (1455-1485).

• Henry VII ascended the throne in 1485 and aimed to establish a strong monarchy by:

  • Enacting the Livery and Maintenance law to forbid nobles from having private armies.

  • Reviving the Court of Star Chamber to punish powerful landlords.

  • Implementing economic reforms to raise national income and promote trade.

  • Patronising the middle class to reduce noble influence.

  • Establishing matrimonial alliances with Spain and Scotland to strengthen foreign relations.

• Henry VII succeeded in strengthening law, order, and monarchy and enhancing England’s international prestige.

• France was also strengthening its monarchy in the 15th century, fostering national literature and nationalism.

• The leadership of Joan of Arc during the Hundred Years War inspired French nationalism.

• Charles VII organized a national army and imposed a land tax called ‘telle’ to maintain it.

• Louis XI (1461-1483) worked to curb the power of nobles.

• Henri IV founded the Bourbon dynasty, restoring royal power after wars and crusades.

• During Louis XIII’s reign, Prime Minister Richelieu strengthened royal authority and promoted unity and obedience.

• France participated in the Thirty Years’ War under Richelieu, gaining international prestige and diminishing Spain’s military supremacy.

• Besides England and France, powerful absolute monarchies also arose in Russia, Spain, and Prussia.

• Positive results of nation-states included:

  • End of feudal anarchy and serfdom.

  • Encouragement of improved production techniques and increased output.

  • Better means of exchange and promotion of geographical discoveries.

  • Stable central authority patronised trade and protected it from external competition (e.g., Henry VII banned imports to protect home industry).

  • National boundaries became more rational and scientific, based on common economic interests and culture.

• Negative results included:

  • Nationality sometimes caused antagonism between states, first as trade rivalry, then as imperialistic expansion.

  • Kings claimed to be the source of all power, often ruling with little control or accountability.

  • Initial public acceptance of royal despotism gave way to revolts against absolute monarchy as kings became arbitrary.

• The era that followed became one of national awakening and people’s rights movements.