Nationalism:

A. was a potential threat to the existing political order.
B. had major support only in western, Atlantic coast Europe until the late 1860s.
C. was firmly opposed by Bismarck and Cavour.
D. won speedy acceptance across Europe because every government was helped by it.

A

The correct answer is A. Nationalism was a potential threat to the existing political order. Nationalism emerged as a powerful force in Europe during the 19th century, challenging the established political order and the authority of monarchies and empires. It sparked movements for self-determination and independence, often leading to conflict and the redrawing of national boundaries.

To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each option:

A. Nationalism was a potential threat to the existing political order:
To validate this option, we need to understand the nature of nationalism. Nationalism is a political ideology that prioritizes the interests of a nation or a group of people who share a common identity. Since nationalism emphasizes self-determination and the desire for a nation to control its political destiny, it can indeed be seen as a potential threat to the existing political order, especially if the established government does not align with nationalist aspirations. Therefore, option A appears to be a plausible answer.

B. Nationalism had major support only in western, Atlantic coast Europe until the late 1860s:
To evaluate this option, we need to consider the historical context of nationalism. While it is true that nationalism gained significant momentum in western European countries like France, Britain, and the Netherlands, it would be incorrect to say that it was limited to those regions alone. Nationalist sentiments emerged across Europe, including Central and Eastern Europe. Furthermore, the timeframe mentioned in option B, until the late 1860s, does not align with the full extent of nationalism's influence. Therefore, option B seems to be inaccurate.

C. Nationalism was firmly opposed by Bismarck and Cavour:
To assess this option, we need to examine the role of Bismarck and Cavour, prominent figures in the history of nationalism. Bismarck played a pivotal role in the unification of Germany, using nationalism as a tool to achieve his goals. Cavour, on the other hand, was an influential figure in the unification of Italy, also utilizing nationalism as a driving force. Both Bismarck and Cavour strategically employed nationalism to achieve their political objectives. Therefore, option C does not appear to be correct.

D. Nationalism won speedy acceptance across Europe because every government was helped by it:
To evaluate this option, we need to consider the impact of nationalism on European governments. While it is true that governments did benefit from the support nationalism could generate, it would be inaccurate to suggest that every government was helped by nationalism or that its acceptance was speedy across Europe. Nationalism often led to conflicts and territorial disputes, challenging existing political structures and resulting in divisions. Therefore, option D is unlikely to be the correct answer.

Based on our analysis, it appears that the most accurate answer is:

A. Nationalism was a potential threat to the existing political order.