Romanticism: a historical introduction

A historical overview of romanticism

Perhaps there is no other movement in history that had such a wide and diverse impact on the world as the Enlightenment movement and the Romantic movement. One might even say that the impact of Romanticism can still be felt in everyday life. The views we hold on politics, religion, and even marriage are often a result of hundreds of years of influence. If you have ever seen a romantic comedy, witnessed an emotional film about freedom or liberty, or read anything about these topics, chances are they were influenced by Romanticism.

However, Romanticism is not romance. While the subject of love itself was deeply influenced by Romantic notions, it is by no means what the actual movement was.

This begs the question: what is Romanticism? Well, to understand that, we must first understand what the Enlightenment movement is.

The Enlightenment Movement

The Enlightenment was a series of influential schools of thought that were prominent in the Western world in the late 17th to 18th centuries. It focused on reason, rationality, and advancement through scientific and empirical research and evidence. This movement had a significant influence throughout Europe, particularly in France, and from this “Age of Reason” came numerous scientific advancements, such as Isaac Newton’s theories.

However, there were those who were critical of such strong rationality and the absolutes of the movement. While the Enlightenment sounded promising, it had its limitations and flaws. In response, a new movement was born: the Romantic movement.

A Note: This is just a historical view of Romanticism. I plan to dive deeper into the ideologies of both movements in a future post, so I am keeping it brief here for now. If you’d like to know more about the Enlightenment or similar subjects in detail, let me know in the comments so I can explore those interests further!

Romanticism: A Reaction to Rationality

Unlike the Enlightenment, Romanticism focused on individual experiences, intuition over reason or intellect, and the belief that not everything can be studied or comprehended. ¹Some things are beyond human understanding, and that’s okay. Romanticism’s emphasis on the personal and individual contributed to a seismic shift in history, influencing everything from politics to private life.

The Romantic movement did not emerge out of nowhere. It was shaped over years by various schools of thought. Some of these influences are known as “pre-Romanticism.” ²For example, medieval romances—tales of heroic, chivalrous knights—played a significant role. These tales, focusing on individual experiences, gave the Romantic movement its name. “Romanticism” ³refers not to romantic love but to the adventures and heroic deeds of knights.

Influences and Origins

My personal theory is that figures like Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, famous for Don Quixote (which I’m hosting a slow read for if you want to join!), and Shakespeare, with his unparalleled psychological depth, were early influences on the Romantic movement. Just read Hamlet, and you’ll see the connection!

Romanticism’s origins, however, are murky. Most sources agree it began in the late 18th to early 19th centuries⁴, though some argue it spanned either the first 50 years of the 19th century or the end of it⁵. Personally, I believe it started earlier, as much of the evidence points in that direction.

Romanticism in France: Revolution and Individualism

The French Revolution was a significant factor in Romanticism’s rise in France. While the exact relationship between the two is unclear, it’s likely they influenced each other.

In the late 1700s, philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau became influential for his writings on freedom, liberty, and nature. His slogan, Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité (liberty, equality, fraternity), became a rallying cry for both the Revolution and the Romantic movement. His ideas on liberalism and national identity shaped Romanticism’s focus on individualism and freedom in France. ⁶

Romanticism in England: Nature and the Middle Class

In England, the movement had a different trajectory. The Industrial Revolution had transformed society, creating a middle class and diminishing the aristocracy’s influence. This new class embraced the Romantic ideals of individuality, emotional depth, and a return to nature.⁷

One of the most influential figures in English Romanticism was William Wordsworth. His Lyrical Ballads, published in the 1790s, marked the movement’s beginning in England⁸. Unlike others, Wordsworth viewed nature as more than just a beautiful backdrop. For him, nature was divine, a window into the human soul⁹. In his poem The Tables Turned; An Evening Scene, on the Same Subject, he wrote:

“Sweet is the lore which nature brings;

Our meddling intellect

Mishapes the beauteous forms of things;

—We murder to dissect.”

Romanticism in Germany: Medievalism and National Identity

In Germany, Romanticism was heavily influenced by medievalism and national identity. The movement sought to preserve and reinterpret old tales through a Romantic lens, emphasizing individual perspectives.¹⁰

The Brothers Grimm played a crucial role in this effort. Their collection, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, was not just a compilation of stories but a way to create and preserve a German national identity.¹¹

and the Butterfly Effect

An interesting tidbit: Lord Byron, one of Romanticism’s most famous poets, had to flee England. This exile led to the spread of “Byronism” in France, where it became more popular than in England¹². It’s fascinating to imagine how history might have changed if Byron had stayed in his home country.

Final Thoughts

This week, I focused on the historical aspects of Romanticism. In a future post, I plan to explore its ideologies, how it differs from the Enlightenment, and the influence of both movements. Or I might write about something entirely different—who knows?

What are your thoughts on this? Let me know in the comments below!

1. ROMANTICISM Explained, [AP Euro review-unit 5 topic 8]

Romanticism - Britannica

https://www.britannica.com/art/Romanticism

2. Romanticism - Britannica

3. Romanticism - Britannica

4. Romanticsm - britannica

5. Burgum, Edwin Berry. “Romanticism.” The Kenyon Review, vol. 3, no. 4, 1941, pp. 479–90. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4332291. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

6. Burgum, Edwin Berry. “Romanticism.” The Kenyon Review, vol. 3, no. 4, 1941, pp. 479–90. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4332291. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Romanticism and French Revolution

7. Burgum, Edwin Berry. “Romanticism.” The Kenyon Review, vol. 3, no. 4, 1941, pp. 479–90. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4332291. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

8. Romanticism - Britannica

9. ROMANTICISM Explained, [AP Euro review-unit 5 topic 8]

Romanticism- Britannica

10. Burgum, Edwin Berry. “Romanticism.” The Kenyon Review, vol. 3, no. 4, 1941, pp. 479–90. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4332291. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

11. ROMANTICISM Explained, [AP Euro review-unit 5 topic 8]

12. Burgum, Edwin Berry. “Romanticism.” The Kenyon Review, vol. 3, no. 4, 1941, pp. 479–90. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4332291. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.