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The perils of romantic nationalism
As Caspar David Friedrich’s 250th anniversary is celebrated in Berlin and New York, JENNY FARRELL urges viewers of the German Romantic painter to understand its true historical context, and beware his co-option by the far right
(L) Caspar David Friedrich, The Sea Of Ice (1823-4); (R) Self-portrait (1800)

THE French Revolution sparked great hopes for the rise of the bourgeoisie, the abolition of feudal structures, and the establishment of a capitalist society. 

Napoleon centralised power in his person, established an authoritarian regime and crowned himself emperor in 1804. His wars in Europe served both territorial expansion and the spread of capitalist production relations.

The events of 1806, including the defeats of the Prussian army at Jena and Auerstedt, the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire, and the occupation of German territories by French troops, led to a strong anti-Napoleonic freedom movement in Germany.

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