Nationalism is too often attributed extremely negative perceptions due to its use as a political tool, most notably in the 20th century. Indeed, Geary explained how 20th century nationalism has tainted our understanding of past centuries, turning it into a 'toxic landscape' filled with the 'poison of ethnic nationalism'. However, many modern historians have sought to reconceptualise nationalism in historiography, focussing on its growing prominence throughout the 19th century. Anderson suggested that nationalism should be placed conceptually alongside terms such as religion and kinship, instead of liberalism or fascism. This is to say that nationalism is not to be likened to an all-encompassing political doctrine; instead acting as an ideology …show more content…
This nationalist sentiment of animosity to foreign powers, once manipulated by Bismarck in unification, swiftly became ideological and nation-wide, developing into a force which, reinvigorated with Weltpolitik, many historians view as instrumental in the leading to the First World War. This sentiment was not just isolated to the elites; a multitude of nationalist pressure groups forming in support of Weltpolitik by the end of the century, such as the Pan-German league, while Admiral Tirpitz, one of Wilhelm's close supporters, used the creation of the Navy League in 1898, which soon attracted over 300,000 members, to gain public support for a naval expansion bill passed in the same year. Many industrialists were won over to Weltpolitik and this nationalist fervour as a result, benefitting from the opening up of areas of continental raw materials, alongside the demand for the building of a fleet. The arrival of Social-Darwinist thought, alongside eugenics, also attracted a broad audience of liberals, conservatives and even radicals and socialists to nationalist sentiment, all of whom supported the idea of national pride and colonialism. Thus, it is clear that by the end of the century, nationalism had become an ideological force which would invariably influence the First World War. Indeed, Wilhelm's Proclamation on the 6th August 1914 claimed how Germany's enemies envied the 'success of our work', citing how the existence of the unified empire, exhibiting 'German power and customs', will be only decided by 'the sword'. Wilhelm's appeal to the ingrained ideal of German military power typified in unification highlights that whereas Bismarck was an opportunistic statesman, using nationalism as a pretext to create and maintain Prussian superiority, Wilhelm was a fanatic successfully
“The Spirit of 1914” gives a comprehensive examination of the opinions and feelings felt during the beginning of the Great War by the German people. This monograph goes into extensive detail on the complexity of the German nation’s reactions and response to the vast, “patriotic outbursts…which many contemporaries and historians categorized as “war enthusiasm.””(2) The content of the book also centers on how German unity was portrayed. “Conservative journals claimed that these crowds spoke for public opinion…what had transformed a materialistic, egotistical German “society” into an idealistic, fraternal, national German “community.””(231)Verhey challenges the myth that all Germans wanted to go to war in 1914 by methodically explaining each of the different regions, classes, and political parties’ reactions and responses. The argument of his work comes down to how well he is able to answer the questions of:
When Otto von Bismarck was recalled from Paris to become Minister-President of Prussia in 1862, German nationalism was already more than 40 years old. First apparent in the opposition to Napoleon´s occupation of the German states, national feeling grew into a movement after 1815. This feeling was encouraged by a growth of interest in German literature and music and by increased economic cooperation between the north German states. By 1848 it was strong enough to make the creation of a united Germany one of the main demands of the revolutionaries. Otto von Bismarck was a Prussian patriot who inherited the traditions of love of king, army and country from his family.
Throughout the years, humans have constructed many unique civilizations; all which follow a distinct social, economic, and political structure. Even so, there is one characteristic that prevails among these societies, the concept of nationalism. In short, nationalism refers to the feelings people have when identifying with their nation. This simple notion possesses the ability to divide or unite collective groups, and has played an important role in many historical events.
All over the world and in history, countries and nations have expressed pride towards their nations through spirit and have unified together as one. Nationalism is the force behind the unification, strength, and cooperation of these nations. First, nationalism is a powerful force that helps to unite all different people into a single nation. It is also important for nations to use nationalism to claim justified independence from one another. Finally, nationalism can be taken too far if it is used unjustly or incorrectly. Nationalism is important and necessary for beneficial political changes, but can become harmful and unproductive when used for a country’s personal agenda and lust for power.
By 1890, Germany had been a nation state for almost 20 years. Liberal nationalism was dying from its own success, and a new brand of popular ideas on the German Volk and fatherland was emerging to represent the generation which had been born in the boundaries of a German state, and was now reaching adulthood. Necessarily, these ideas would adopt foundations of German cultural superiority and common identity which had been espoused at the start of the century, and this was encouraged by colonialism. This popular nationalism was encouraged by the more active climate of public debate and freer politics. They were also no doubt affected by the position of the army in German society and the interference of a government dominated by the military. The presence of minorities within the empire and growing anti-Semitism in Europe encourages racist views, and the growing political importance of the SPD stimulated fears of socialist threats to the nation. Above all, during this period, German nationalism became rooted in chauvinist masculine sentiments.
Nationalisms powerful and intense impact on individuals is demonstrated in Rudolf von Ihering’s Two Letters (1866). By offering individuals a group to be a part of became something which appeared to be boundless in its potential for prosperity and it gave individuals a sense of empowerment. Initially, Von Ihering had rigorously opposed Realpolitik’s policies which were employed by Otto von Bismarck, declaring that, “everyone [in Ger...
Nationalism has a long history although most scholarly research on Nationalism only began in the mid-twentieth century. Some scholars point to the French Revolution of 1789 as the birth of Nationalism. The French Revolution is seen...
Prussia was well prepared for war, with three Prussian armies sweeping Bohemia, and the battle of Sadowa, Austria suffered defeat. Nationalism was viewed in so many different ways by so many different leaders and society. Many conflicts and wars had a long term impact on Nationalism, but some conflicts had a small impact on Nationalism. The Frankfurt Constitution was written and published and is a document of German History today. The article “On the Duties of Man”, by Giuseppe Mazzini and how the map of Europe was redrawn, which had a huge impact on Nationalism.
Although some have said that "nationalism is measles of humankind", in my opinion, it is not. Nationalism has led to the growth of identities, and innovations. These reasons influence us in so many good ways that we should embrace nationalism to a great extent. Although at the same time I believe that we shouldn't embrace it to the extent of where we hurt others.
Nationalism has played a crucial role in world history over the past centuries. It continues to do so today. For many, nationalism is indelibly associated with some of the worst aspects of modern history, such as the destructive confidence of the Napoleon’s army and the murderous pride of Nazi Germany. Large numbers of people, descent in their hearts, have carried out unbelievable atrocities for no better reason than their nation required them to. Authoritarian and totalitarian regime have crushed dissent, eliminated opposition, and trampled on civil liberties in the name of the nation.
The rise of nationalism and its mark on the history of Europe was quite profound. The unification of major powers and the civil unrest on the journey to unification created a large chapter of history in the nineteenth century. By the 1900s the mark of nationalism had been left on Italy, Germany, France and Great Britain. The major European powers had come through great trials to set the stage for the twentieth century and the conflicts that will erupt. Nationalism will be remembered as a great period of change and growth.
After years of trying to unify as one nation and countless failures, the German people now believed that they themselves were among the superior races of the world and it was Germany’s destiny to become the greatest nation the world had ever seen. Under Bismarck’s rule the economy boomed. The German Industrial Complex, powered by its heavy war production, made many men and the nation itself very wealthy. This wealth and prosperity led to an intoxicating feeling among its people, a feeling that they were the next great world
“The existing nationalism literature is a conceptual labyrinth characterized by questionable instruments, lack of empirical data, and poor explanatory power”
In modern history nationalism an extreme form of patriotism, was one of the most powerful forces. Germany wanted to build up their influence in every part of the world, taking this in an aggressive manner making them responsible. Although the German empire had already obtained many countries, such as German East Africa and yet it did not satisfy them. Historian L.C.B. Seaman writes this, “But nothing could satisfy the Germans, because they had no aims to satisfy” Therefore, countries became fearful and protective over their own nations. Germany’s ambitions were extended throughout the globe, subsequently causing conflicts with all the major powers such as France and Russia, but not Austria- Hungary, starting with the year 1890 and leading up to WWI.
“Bismarck and German Nationalism.” The American Historical Review Vol. 60, No.3 (1955): pg. 78. 548-556.