Hungarian Nationalism

“Beginning with the 1820's, the concept of limiting the nation to the nobility was successfully challenged by Hungarian writers, poets and essayists strongly influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment and the Great French Revolution. Liberal reformers wanted to extend the rights held by the nobility to the people, abolish serfdom and change Hungary into a modern parliamentary state.”

Citation: Lazlo Deme. Liberal Nationalism in Hungary. (1998). Questia.

Based on this quote, it would seem apparent that Hungary went through liberal nationalism. Liberal reformers wanted to give rights only the nobility held to everyone, do away with serfdom, and modernize the new Hungary by making it a parliamentary state. In addition, limiting the nation to the nobility, a romantic concept, was addressed and altered with the new Hungarian leaders. All of the points addressed in this quote point towards Hungary attempting to create a much more liberal government.

Italian Nationalism

Italian Nationalism had both liberal and romantic qualities, but their government mostly followed the ideas of liberal nationalism. One of the key reasons supporting this was Italy's forward steps towards allowing freedom of religion, and separating church and state (Politics and Government in Independent Italy, 3). A liberal country is one in which its citizens are free to worship whatever religion they want, and it is a major difference from romantic nationalism, in which everyone collectively follows the same religion. This major step proves Italy was moving towards liberal nationalism, and this is further exemplified by Italy creating a country-wide constitution and appointing both a lower and upper house to make sure everyone is represented (Politics and Government in Independent Italy, 2). Overall, while Italy did still maintain some elements of romantic nationalism, they made great strides to make their new government as close to liberal nationalism as possible.