The Pros and Cons of Nationalism

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“Nationalism involves a strong identification of a group of individuals with a political entity defined in national terms, i.e. a nation,” (Nationalism). Nationalism can lead to beliefs that one’s state is naturally better than all other states. This is not good. It allows government to control people through their sense of nationalism. Both World War I and World War II can be linked back to nationalism. Nationalism is bad because it allows government control, it causes bad feelings of superiority, and the negative nationalism’s downsides.
Political scientists argue that there is a distinct difference between state and nation. State is in reference to government and other bodies that control the country, and “nation, by contrast, is a psychological characteristic, what individuals identify with” (Hauss). “Japan, Italy, and especially Germany were all led by leaders who stressed unmet nationalist goals and grievances in the years leading up to the outbreak of fighting in 1939” (Hauss). “German nationalism that began to develop before World War II was a major motivation behind many individuals who joined the Nazi Party which was led by Adolf Hitler” (Motivations Behind the Holocaust). Hitler was able to use his incredible speaking skills to manipulate people into agreeing with him (Motivations Behind the Holocaust). “Nationalism emphasizes collective identity - a 'people' must be autonomous, united, and express a single national culture. However, some nationalists stress individualism as an important part of their own national identity” (Nationalism). This was not the case for Germany. World War I left Germany devastated. The country was in horrible condition and had to pay reparations for the war according to the Treaty of Versail...

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... of nationalism can blind individuals from seeing the faults in their government and country. Nationalism can be used to control them while they are blinded from what is truly going on. Nationalism leads to fighting and trying to dominate countries which are seen as lesser due to nationalist thoughts. Nationalism is harmful and damaging for the world.

Works Cited

"Good and Bad Nationalism." The American Prospect. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2014.
Hauss, Charles. "Nationalism | Beyond Intractability." Nationalism | Beyond Intractability. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2014.
"Motivations Behind The Holocaust: German Nationalism And Economic Growth." Mtholyoke. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 May 2014.
"Nationalism, Good or Bad?" Debate Issue:. Web. 13 May 2014.
"Nationalism." Princeton University. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2014.
"Nationalism History." Infoplease. Infoplease. Web. 13 May 2014.

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