(i) Socially and politically, a landed aristocracy was the dominant class on the continent. The members of this class were united by a common way of life that cut across regional division.
(ii) They spoke French for the purpose of diplomacy and in high society.
(iii) Industrialisation began in England in second half of the 18th century but in France and German states, it occurred only during 19th century. In its wake, new social groups came into being.
(iv) It was among the educated liberal middle class that ideas of national unity and abolition of aristocratic privileges gained popularity.
(v) Nations began to be perceived as having a definite territory, anthem, and flag, together with a Parliament which was elected by property-owning men of the middle class.
