Between Empire, Market and Nation

Abstract

The revolutionary wave of 1848 is usually interpreted as a turning point in Europe’s long nineteenth century. Liberal, democratic dynamics gave way to more conservative, even reactionary political realities, as an imperialist state nationalism took over from liberal nationalism, and nationalism became more exclusive at the end of the century.

Free Trade! What is it? Why, breaking down the barriers that separate nations; those barriers, behind which nestle the feelings of pride, revenge, hatred, and jealousy, which every now and then burst their bounds, and deluge whole countries with blood; those feelings which nourish the poison of war and conquest (…)

Richard Cobden, 28 September 1843¹

For precluding war it is not sufficient that the power of justice should be a little greater than the power of the disputing parties. Justice must be so overwhelmingly superior that resistance may be out of the question.

John Robert Seeley, 1871²