#AP European History: Unit 7 - The Road to World War I (1848-1914)

Hey there! 👋 Ready to crush this exam? This guide is your go-to for Unit 7, covering everything from the Revolutions of 1848 to the brink of World War I. Let's get started!

Remember, this unit is HUGE! It connects industrialization, nationalism, and imperialism—all key players in the lead-up to WWI. Make sure to understand the relationships between these concepts.

#🔗 Challenges to International Stability

#The Breakdown of the Congress System

The Congress System (remember it from Unit 6?) was crumbling. Why? Because of a little thing called...

#Nationalism: A Double-Edged Sword ⚔️

Nationalism is a complex idea. It's about feeling like you belong to a nation—a community that's often imagined because most members will never meet. Think of it like a giant fan club with flags ⛳️ and anthems.

Key Concept

Nationalism can be based on culture, politics, or even perceived race. It can unite people, but also divide them. It's a powerful force that can both liberate and oppress.

#Implications of Nationalism

Cultural & Racial Nationalism: Led to breakaways from empires (e.g., Greek Independence 🇬🇷) but also fueled anti-Semitism.
Zionism: A response to anti-Semitism, advocating for a Jewish homeland.

#National Unification

Italy & Germany: Leaders like Camilo di Cavour and Otto von Bismarck used nationalism to unify their countries. They were like the ultimate hype men for their nations!
Power Shift: These new states and the weakening Ottoman Empire 🌎 upset the balance of power, setting the stage for WWI.

Memory Aid

Think of nationalism as a powerful magnet. It can pull people together to form a new nation, but it can also push people apart, leading to conflict. It's all about who's holding the magnet!

Liberal Tool to Conservative Tool: Initially used by liberals, nationalism was later co-opted by conservatives like Napoleon III to strengthen their states.
Austria-Hungary: Nationalism led to the creation of the Dual Monarchy in 1867, a desperate attempt to maintain stability.

Practice Question

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    {
      "mcq": [
        {
          "question": "Which of the following best describes the role of nationalism in 19th-century Europe?",
          "options": [
            "A) It served exclusively as a unifying force, leading to the creation of new nation-states.",
            "B) It was primarily a tool used by liberal reformers to promote democratic ideals.",
            "C) It was a complex force that both unified and divided people, contributing to both state-building and conflict.",
            "D) It was largely irrelevant in the political landscape of the 19th century."
          ],
          "answer": "C"
        },
        {
          "question": "The unification of Germany under Otto von Bismarck demonstrates which of the following?",
          "options": [
            "A) The triumph of liberal ideals over conservative forces.",
            "B) The...

19th-Century Perspectives and Political Developments