HSY2601 Assignment 3 2025 – Due 24 April 2025

HSY2601 Themes in the 19
th
Century History: Power and the Western World
Assignment Instructions:

Assignment Brief
The 19th century was a period of profound transformation in Western history, marked by the
rise of nationalism and industrialisation. These two forces reshaped societies, economies,
and political structures across Europe and beyond. This assignment requires you to conduct a
comparative analysis of these two historical phenomena, exploring their causes, impacts, and
interconnections in different regions of the Western world.
Assignment Questions
Write an essay of 1200 words in which you address the following:
1. Defining Nationalism and Industrialisation: Clearly define both concepts. Discuss
their origins and key characteristics in the 19th century.
2. Case Studies: Compare how nationalism and industrialisation developed in at least two
Western countries (e.g., Britain, Germany, France, or the United States).
3. Interconnections: How did industrialisation contribute to nationalist movements?
Conversely, how did nationalism influence industrial policies?
4. Social and Economic Impacts: Examine how these forces shaped the lives of ordinarypeople, including workers, women, and ethnic minorities.

Assignment Structure
Your essay should be structured as follows:
• Introduction (approx. 300 words): Introduce your topic, provide background context,
and present your thesis statement.
• Main Body (approx. 600 words): Develop your arguments using case studies and
comparative analysis.
o Discuss nationalism and industrialisation separately before exploring their
interconnections.
o Provide examples from at least two Western countries.
o Include evidence from secondary sources.
• Conclusion (approx. 300 words): Summarise key findings, highlight the significance ofyour analysis, and suggest areas for further research.