Final answer:
The French Revolution fostered independence movements in the West and contributed to the unification of Germany and Italy through nationalism and the dissemination of revolutionary principles. These movements were driven by a rejection of authoritarian rule and a desire for political participation and national self-determination. The revolutions of 1848 further exemplified the rise of nationalist and liberal ideologies against the conservative status quo. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The French Revolution led to independence movements in the West and the unification of Germany and Italy primarily through c) Nationalism and the spread of revolutionary ideals. The French Revolution's assertion of the concept of the nation-state, advocating for the sovereignty of the people and equality before the law, directly inspired various nationalist movements.
Notably, this included both the Italian and German unification efforts in the mid-nineteenth century, with both nations seeing rising sentiment amongst populations sharing cultural, linguistic, and historical commonalities to form their own independent, unified nations.
Additionally, the French Revolution functioned as a radical rejection of authoritarian rule, while its aftermath initiated social and political reforms that had lasting influence on modern politics. As the legitimacy of divine right monarchy and feudal privileges were challenged, European citizens became more politically engaged and aware of their collective power.
The revolutions of 1848 exemplify the convergence of nationalist, liberal, and socialist ideologies in a formidable challenge to the old conservative order, paving the way for constitutional changes and eventually national unification processes in Italy and Germany.
These movements gained further impetus in the climate following Napoleon's defeat, where emerging ideologies like nationalism questioned the traditional European political order, leading to the rise of nation-states that held the promise of representing the collective will of their 'nations' rather than the interests of a ruling dynasty.