A simple definition of nationalism is an “extreme feeling of patriotism in which a country believes to hold a degree of superiority over other countries”. In an ideal world, superiority and inferiority are terms that shouldn’t exist and every country should hold a mutual equal status. Unfortunately however, we do not live in such an idealized world and so for some countries to be ahead of others in economic, political and socio fields is apparent. Initially, the idea of superiority has negative connotations, however with regards to nationalism, this is not always the case and as proven throughout history, nationalism has helped achieve positive outcomes.
Nationalism can be a regarded as a positive force due to its ability in inspiring a nation to achieve real success. A prominent example of this is in Japan, where the Japanese went from a feudal, sectionalist society consisting of corrupt warlords fighting each other over wars to a united, modern and stable society in just under 20 years. It was nationalism that inspired the Japanese with the national obligation to compete with Europe and America and had the Japanese not adopted nationalism, they may not have achieved the progress that we see today. Although Japanese nationalism has been regarded as a cause of World War II, Japanese nationalism has helped save
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A negative implication of nationalism is that it can lead to the rise of extreme Nationalistic movements such as Nazism and Zionism. “Both of these nationalistic groups believed that the ethnic supremacy was the master race and the chosen people” (Rake, 2005). Within both this movements, there were inhumane practises in which Nazis slaughtered Jews in concentration camps and Zionists drove Palestinians out of. As illustrated in both of these cases, pride can have devastating effects. A continuing nationalist mind can evoke inhumane and immoral
Nationalism has been a potent force for change since the development of human civilization. However, opinion about the extent to which nationalism may be appropriately pursued is highly diverse, a factor that has led to immense tragedy and suffering in countless regions worldwide. While it is both appropriate and sometimes encouraged to take pride in being part of a nation, it is of the utmost importance that it is done without harming or subjugating people of another. Uniting a people by force and potentially eliminating or destroying those who may oppose it or not belong to it is unacceptable ethically, morally, and socially.
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.
Nationalism is a political, economic and social ideology, doctrine and practice describing the “advocacy of or support for the interests of one’s own nation”, especially above the interests of other outside nations, individuals, and regions (“Nationalism”). It is a conscious state of mind where individuals believe their duty and loyalty is to the nation-state. It believes that a nation is the most crucial aspect for human social life because it gives a nation a sense of unity by promoting the shared interests and identities of the individuals such as language, race, religion etc. (“Nationalism”). Therefore, the aim of nationalism is to preserve and promote the nation’s culture as opposed to other cultures. Politically, the goal is gaining and
Nationalism, the spirit or aspirations common to the whole of a nation, an importing factor to many countries due to its importance; The people of their nation and their “ality” makes up the country they choose to be and grow in. Citizens showed their nationalism through national anthems and written passages as Russia has done, which contains the saying that they will never be conquered or overthrown (document five). However, due to the utmost prominence of their patriotism reaching out to other countries, it helped cause the First World War, World War I.
Patriotism, as defined by sociology, is the “love and commitment to one’s country. The sociological definition for nationalism, however, is “a sense of superiority over others” (Kemmelmeier 859). Compared to nationalism, patriotism is benign in definition. With nationalism, there is “them” and then there is “us”; in essence, it creates a strong schism between nations. Radical nationalism is a severe issue as it has high potential in causing conflicts between nations. One of the most notorious examples from history is World War II. Following World War I, Germany was in shambles; the economic and political state of Germany left it vulnerable to the rise of Adolf Hitler. The bitter resentment resulting from the conclusion of World War I in combination with a new, jingoist dictator led to the creation of radical nationalism within Germany. This nationalism led to the willingness to kill indiscriminately for the country under the belief that Germany was a far superior nation and all other nations needed to be eradicated, thus leading to global
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...
Nationalism is way of thinking both political and socially to create a community united by: history, ethnicity, religions, common culture, and language. Numerous effects occurred while establishing a Nationalist community, some effects were a long term impact on Nationalism, and other was short term impacts on Nationalism.
For instance, after the World War II (WW II), the Germany had turned from a dictatorship to a democracy. Japan had also become a democracy, while the mainland China became a communist. On the other hand, attack by foreigners can promote nationalism. Taking the period of the French Revolution as an example, while Napoleon built up a large army in Europe and conquered other countries, the Europeans was then turned to nationalism. The Europeans began to strengthen their countries, both in political and economical structure.
Nationalism at its core is the support of a country. The goal of a country is to have some sort of resonance within the individuals that reside there that call themselves citizens. If the citizens don’t feel any connection with their country, they may move to find one that they feel closer too. Once found, they may support the country over others, defend it within conversations of politics or just find groups that have the same ideals they do about the country. This papers purpose is to illustrate the pros of nationalism as well as its cons.
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.
Nationalism was probably one of the most powerful forces of this era and really impacted the people and the government. Nationalism gave people pride for there country and they thrived for there country to become a world power. Germany was a major believer in nationalism because they wanted to become a major world power. Germany wanted to become a world power so bad but they needed to find a way in accomplishing it.
Nationalism is the idea that a people who have much in common, such as language, culture and geographic proximity ought to organize in such a way that it creates a stable and enduring state. Nationalism is tied to patriotism, and it is the driving force behind the identity of a culture. Nationalism had many effects in Europe from 1815, The Congress of Vienna and beyond. In the following essay I will describe many of the consequences of nationalism on European identity, as well as some of the conflicts that it created.
Nationalism, the love and support of one's country, has always existed. In this era, however, it was to take part in the creation of one of the most famous wars in history. Since so much pride was devoted to countries, it made the possibilities of peace between past rivals less probable. It also meant that most nations, especially the great powers, would rather fight a war than back down from a rival's diplomatic provocation. In effect, nationalism was also a contributing factor to the alliance system. No country feels comfortable being in a war alone, and with the growing militaries in almost every country, allies provided much comfort.