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"Young Europe" was a movement which sought to reorganise the boundries of Europe along liberal-nationalistic lines. The movement was pioneered by Italian nationalists such as Mazzini. The overall goal was to create an almost Wilsonian moasaic of nation-states covering Europe and co-existing together in perpetual peace. The Italin branch was briefly successful in seizing Rome, but was kicked out by the French. The Turkish branch "Young Turks", although not directly tied to the movement, also gained popularity in Turkey.

Competing against these forces were dynastic empires such as France and Austira. Austria, in particular had reason to fear nationalistic sentiments. Another problem is the fact that national idenities, particularly in Eastern Europe, were often complex, with many ethnicities being located in one place. This wasn't really "sorted" until after population exchanges follwing WWII. Furthermore, historical claims obviously overlapped on certain territories. For a nation like Hungary it would be extremely difficut to satisfy their demands for all the lands of St Stephen's crown with, for example, demands of Romanians and Croats.

The challenge is, in short, to create a "Young Europe" of states constructed along liberal nationalist lines, co-existing in peace and harmony. I appreciate this would be difficult, mainly for the reasons above but also for countless other reasons, however I would be interested to hear thoughts on the issue. "Young Europe" must be finished by 1914. POD's can go back as far as the birth of Mazzini, but if that's thought too ASB and someone would like to go furthur back then that's fine too.

Thanks in advance.
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