Nationalism is the idea that a people who have much in common, such as language, culture and geographical proximity, should organize themselves in such a way as to create a stable and lasting state. Nationalism is linked to patriotism and is the driving force behind a culture's identity. Nationalism had many effects in Europe from 1815, to the Congress of Vienna and beyond. In the following essay I will describe many of the consequences of nationalism on European identity, as well as some of the conflicts it created. Nationalism was strongly supported by the middle class, including intellectuals, professors, students and journalists. These groups of middle-class professionals were also the driving force of the liberal movement coinciding with nationalism. The idea that society could progress and reform was linked to nationalism and is part of the appeal that appealed to the middle class. Those who would oppose the idea of ​​nationalism would be the same ones who opposed liberal reform, that is, those who already occupied a position of power. As people called for democratic systems of government and reform, they faced opposition from aristocrats and members of the ruling elite who had an interest in preserving their own interests. Nobles, powerful landowners, and career politicians would resist changes that would require them to cede power and influence in the name of progress. Prince Metternich was a gifted politician and understood the ideas of patriotism and nationalism in the balance of power in Europe. We see an example of his understanding of these ideas in his treatment of France in the post-Napoleonic era that the Congress of Vienna was concerned with. If you look at how kind he was... middle of the paper... the nations of the time saw their expansion and imperialism as a profoundly noble pursuit. The natives of Asia and Africa were considered wild and uncultured. The influence of European ideals and lifestyles would, in the minds of their conquerors, help these people achieve a better life and lead them to a better existence. The rise of nationalism and its mark on the history of Europe was quite profound. The unification of the major powers and the civil unrest on the way to unification created a great chapter in the history of the 19th century. By 1900 the mark of nationalism had been left on Italy, Germany, France and Great Britain. The major European powers have overcome great trials to prepare the ground for the 20th century and the conflicts that will explode. Nationalism will be remembered as a great period of change and growth.