Final answer:
The French Revolution is a pivotal example reflecting the Romantic ideals of self-liberation in the early 19th century, representing a shift from Enlightenment thinking to embracing personal freedom and emotional expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example from the first half of the 19th century that demonstrates the influence of Romantic notions of self-liberation is the French Revolution. This period saw a transition in thought, from the aristocratic norms of the Enlightenment, to ideas that favored personal freedom and emotion over reason. The revolutionary movements during this time were driven by Romantic ideals which emphasized individual liberty, the inherent rights of people, and resistance to monarchical rule. In literature, such ideals were expressed by figures like Victor Hugo, who suggested that Romanticism was akin to liberalism in writing, offering a contrast to the previous era's conservatism and representing a call for egalitarian governance and individual freedom.
This movement transcended boundaries, inspiring change and influencing nations like Norway in its 1814 pursuit of independence. The Romantics' distaste for industrialization's impact on the natural world, as expressed by William Blake, further indicates the widespread yearning for a return to a more personal, emotionally rich life.