IGNOU HISTORY NOTES : History Of Modern Europe (Mid 18th to 20th Centuries)- FORMATION OF NATION-STATES -1: BRITISH AND FRENCH

IGNOU HISTORY Study Notes for IAS, UPSC Exams

History Of Modern Europe Mid 18th to Mid 20th Centuries

FORMATION OF NATION-STATES -1: BRITISH AND FRENCH

Structure

17.0 Objectives
17.1 Introduction
17.2 Formation of the British Nation-state
1.7.2.1 The Process of Integration
17.2.2 ' The Development of National Identity
17.2.3 Spheres of State Intervention
17.3 Formation of the French Nation-state
17.3.1 Origins of Centralized State Apparatus
17.3.2 Rival Identities
17.3.3 Revolution and the Nation-state
17.3.4 Making of Class Identities
17.3.5 The State and National Integration
17.4 Let Us Sum Up
17.5 Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises

17.0 OBJECTIVES

In this Unit we will discuss the process of nation-state formation in Britain and France,
particularly froin the second half of the eighteenth century. After reading this Unit you will
bc able to explain:

• how the absolute monarchies initiated the process of nation-state formation,
• the problems faced in the work of national unification,
• the process of integration in both the countries,
• the creation of infrastmcture for capitalist development,
• the development of national identities through class formations,
• the role of industrial revolution in Britain and the French Revolution in the creation of respective nation-states,
• the spheres of state intervention,
• the creation of modern democratic states absorbing social tensions and regional variations.

17.1 INTRODUCTION

The emergence of nation-states may be seen in terms of changing modes of production and
more specifically, of the rise of bourgeoisie. The new form of state in Britain and France
provided a series of solutions to the problems of modernization. The nation-states in both the
countries contributed to the process of social and economic integration of the smaller unit..
The role of nation-states in capitalist development was crucial because they contributed to
political and econonlic unification and enabled peripheral regions to benefit from the process
of capitalist modernization. Simultaneously, the state had to create conditions for economic
growth. Industrialization brought several demands to the forefront which could be resolved
only through centrally controlled systenis and institutions. These states created patriotic fervour
by recruiting professional armies and navies directly from the populations and imposed
nationalism, literacy, cultural homogenization and reforms from above. 

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