The pivotal conflict that marked the rise of nationalism and the formation of modern nation-states in Europe was the Napoleonic Wars. These wars not only spread revolutionary ideals but also led to the redrawing of national boundaries and the emergence of nation-states. The dismantling of empires and feudal structures prompted a sense of national identity among various ethnic groups. This period instigated movements for self-determination, ultimately resulting in the unification of Italy and Germany and inspiring nationalist sentiments throughout Europe that shaped political landscapes in the following century.