Liberalism promoted individual freedom, equality before law and constitutional government. It opposed autocracy and encouraged unity through free trade, shared culture and political participation, inspiring national movements in Germany and Italy during the 19th century.
How was liberalism allied to national unity in Europe in the early decades of the 19th century? Analyse.
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In the early 19th century, liberalism and national unity became closely linked in Europe. Liberalism represented freedom for the individual and equality before law. Liberals opposed autocratic monarchies and demanded constitutional governments with elected representatives. They promoted freedom of speech, press and trade, which encouraged national awareness. In economically fragmented regions like Germany and Italy, liberal ideas promoted the removal of trade barriers and the creation of common markets, paving the way for political unity. Educated middle classes supported nationalism as a means to unite people with common languages and cultures. Thus, liberalism provided the ideological foundation for national movements, linking individual freedom with collective national identity and inspiring revolutions that led to unified nation-states in Europe