Because most of the middle classes were educated and the had problems with the existing political,social and economic system.

The Middle Class and the Nationalist Movement in Europe

The nationalist movement in Europe during the 19th and early 20th centuries was largely driven by the middle class. This can be attributed to several key factors that influenced their involvement in the movement.

1. Growth of the Middle Class:
- The Industrial Revolution led to the emergence of a prosperous middle class in Europe. This class consisted of merchants, businessmen, professionals, and skilled workers.
- The middle class had economic stability and social influence, which provided them with the resources and motivation to participate in nationalist movements.

2. Desire for Political Power:
- The middle class aspired for political power and influence, which they believed could be achieved through nationalism.
- They aimed to establish nation-states where their voices and interests would be represented in governance and decision-making processes.

3. Shared Ideals and Identity:
- The middle class believed in the concept of a nation-state, where a unified cultural, linguistic, and historical identity would prevail.
- They sought to promote their own national culture and language, as well as protect it from external influences and domination.

4. Economic Interests:
- The middle class had a vested interest in the development of a strong national economy that would benefit their businesses and industries.
- They saw nationalism as a means to protect and promote their economic interests by establishing protective tariffs, trade networks, and infrastructure.

5. Enlightenment and Liberal Ideas:
- The middle class was greatly influenced by Enlightenment ideals and liberal ideas such as individual rights, freedom, and equality.
- Nationalism provided a platform for the middle class to pursue these ideals and advocate for political and social reforms.

6. Education and Intellectual Development:
- The middle class had better access to education and intellectual development compared to the lower classes.
- This education enabled them to understand and articulate nationalist ideologies, making them effective leaders and proponents of the movement.

7. Organizational Capacity:
- The middle class had the organizational skills and resources necessary to mobilize and lead large-scale nationalist movements.
- They formed political parties, intellectual societies, and cultural associations that facilitated the dissemination of nationalist ideas and facilitated collective action.

In conclusion, the middle class in Europe played a significant role in leading the nationalist movement due to their economic stability, aspirations for political power, shared ideals and identity, economic interests, Enlightenment influences, access to education, and organizational capacity. Their involvement in the movement was instrumental in shaping the political and social landscape of Europe during this period.