Romantics and Revolutions

Revolutions and Romanticism

Romanticism was a growing movement that spread throughout Europe from the late 18th Century until the mid 19th century. It strayed from Enlightenment beliefs of rationalism and secularism and emphasized the importance of spontaneity and emotion. It makes sense that Romanticism did well during this time, especially with the revolutions occurring throughout Europe. Many working-class people were frustrated with the conservative practices in Europe and were being oppressed by a self-serving group of elites. 

Delacroix's The Massacre at Chios

From the textbook: “Beethoven’s music sets in motion the lever of fear, of awe, of horror, of suffering, and awakens just that infinite longing which is the essence of Romanticism."
People were longing for change and freedom.

Romanticism is reflected in the events that took place in Greece, Great Britain, Ireland, and France after 1815. 

• Greek nationalists, wanting to separate themselves from the Ottoman Empire, began fighting for their freedom. Initially, conservative leaders wanting to maintain the balance of power refused to help. The elite class of Europe, however, loved classical Greece and convinced their rulers to assist the Greeks. The Greeks appealed to the elites' emotions and were able to find support.

• In Great Britain, a frustrated working-class was being taken advantage of by the upper class elite. Landowners selfishly pushed the Corn Laws through Parliament, which artificially raised the price of grain in Great Britain. The oppressed lower class in England demanded change, but instead they were given the Six Acts, which further limited their ability to address the issues by controlling the press and prohibiting mass meetings of people. The lower class banded together along with the help of radical elites at the Battle of Peterloo. While the Chartists were unable to make huge changes, male suffrage increased and the Corn Laws were repealed and replaced with intense free trade ideologies. Romanticism is fitting; the working-class longed for change and revolution and was frustrated with selfish nature of the upper class. 

• Ireland also shared some Romantic elements. Irish Catholic tenant farmers being taken advantage of by Protestant landowners living in England were frustrated with their living situation. When the Potato Famine hit and over 1.5 million Irish farmers starved, their frustration grew into bitter resentment of their British counterparts. They demanded change and Irish patriots called on the collective emotional memories of all those who survived the famine to garner support for their cause. 

• France's continued political struggle also fits into Romanticism. Charles X disregarded the Constitutional Charter and revoked the peoples' rights to freedom of the press and freedom of assembly. A frustrated lower-class rioted and overthrew Charles X and replaced him with Louis Philippe. Despite all of their efforts, the working-class revolutionaries saw no practical change and remained frustrated with the current political system in France.

On a side note... socialism and 3 French Utopian dudes.

What is socialism? How is Romanticism reflected in this idea?

• Socialist theory began with 3 French Utopian Socialists who generally argued that work was the foundation of society and therefore workers should be rewarded. In a general sense, socialism makes everyone do equal work for equal reward. 
• Charles Fourier wanted to create "Phalanxes," or communities of 1620 people where work was divided equally and land was owned by the community.
• Saint-Simon believed that the proletariat were "Doers" who should reap the most rewards for their hard work. He called the bourgeoisie "parasites" who leeched off of the efforts of the working-class. 
• Louis Blanc believed that work should be the most sacred right for man and that the government should set up public work opportunities in order to preserve this right.
• All three of these early utopian socialists fit into the Romantic movement. They represent the frustrated lower class and gain support by appealing to the anger and bitterness of the oppressed workers.