Women Historians of Change: Female Writers and National Narratives in Europe (1789-1849)

HER-ITAGE is a ground-breaking study exploring the interrelation between female history writers and national narratives in Europe. By focusing on historical writing and nation-building, the research aims to challenge traditional perspectives on patriotism and national belonging. It highlights the significant contributions of female intellectuals in shaping these narratives, demonstrating that their voices were not merely complementary, but offered unique and original perspectives. The project investigates the sense of national belonging and its definitions as expressed in the writings of women engaged in nowadays Italy, Germany and France. It examines how some women conformed to the prevailing patriotic model, mirroring the efforts of male intellectuals, while others developed alternative ideals that challenged 19th-century nationalisms. HER-ITAGE offers original contributions to various national historiographical contexts and addresses a previously unexplored topic: the role of women in shaping national narratives through their history writing activities. By investigating elements of belonging and patriotism, the research seeks to subvert the idea of a concrete, fixed national consciousness, rethinking national paradigms in a more fluid, individual-oriented way. It emphasizes the multifaceted national affiliations of individuals, often pre-national, a-national, multinational, or strongly regional. The project will also contribute to women's history studies in relation to history and nationalism, providing new insights into how the bond between history and national discourse took shape. HER-ITAGE significantly enhances our understanding of a hitherto neglected topic at the intersection of crucial European processes, impacting European excellence.