What is Nationalism and How Did it Spread? | World History Project

Summary

This script delves into the concept of nationalism, an ideology that has significantly shaped the last two centuries. It explores how nationalism, as a cultural and political movement, has united millions under a common identity, leading to both cooperation and conflict. The discussion highlights the origins of nationalism in the Atlantic revolutions, its spread globally, and its impact on forming nation-states. It also addresses the darker side of nationalism, including its role in wars and atrocities, while pondering its future in a world facing transnational challenges like climate change.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Nationalism allows millions of people who have never met to share common goals and identities, caring for each other as part of a nation.
• 🏳️ Nationalism is the belief that a nation's borders should match the homeland of its people, creating a sense of unity and self-governance.
• ⚔️ The concept of nationalism was born in the late 18th century during revolutions in Europe and the Americas, challenging monarchies and empires.
• 🇫🇷 The French Revolution played a pivotal role in spreading nationalism, using it to unify citizens and resist threats from monarchs across Europe.
• 📜 Benedict Anderson described nationalism as an 'imagined political community,' where people believe in a shared identity without ever meeting.
• 🛡️ Nationalism helped form modern nation-states, but it also sparked wars and conflicts as different groups fought over borders and identities.
• 🌎 Nationalism spread globally in the 19th century, with countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe fighting for their own nation-states.
• 🔥 Nationalism has caused some of the worst atrocities in history, including World War I, World War II, and genocides like the Holocaust.
• 🚨 The 20th century saw a resurgence of nationalism after World War II as colonized nations fought for independence from empires.
• 🤔 Nationalism remains both a powerful force for unity and a source of division, driving wars, conflicts, and ideological debates even today.

Q & A

What is the definition of nationalism according to the script?

Nationalism is an ideology that makes it possible for millions of people to care about one another, share a common goal, to kill and to die for each other. It is both a cultural and political project that asserts the existence of nations and their right to self-governance within the borders of a homeland.

How does the script explain the concept of a nation-state?

A nation-state is defined as a sovereign state whose citizens are members of the same nation. It is a concept where the borders of a state match the homeland of a people, a nation.

What role did the Atlantic revolutions play in the rise of nationalism?

The Atlantic revolutions of the late 18th and early 19th centuries marked the beginning of modern nationalism. European colonies in the Americas started to see themselves as nations rather than subjects of European monarchs, which initiated the spread of nationalist ideas.

How did the French Revolution contribute to the development of nationalism?

The French Revolution promoted French culture and language, and through universal conscription, made military service a national duty. This helped to unify citizens and fueled nationalist passions that were instrumental in Napoleon's conquests.

What was the impact of Napoleon's conquests on the spread of nationalism?

As Napoleon conquered Europe, the presence of French forces inspired conquered peoples to adopt their own nationalisms as a strategy of resistance, leading to a broader spread of nationalist sentiments across the continent.

Why was nationalism particularly challenging in places like Italy and Germany?

In places like Italy and Germany, nationalists had to struggle to unify many different principalities, city-states, and kingdoms into a single nation, which was complicated by disagreements over territory and leadership.

How did nationalism affect multi-ethnic empires?

Nationalism within large multi-ethnic empires led to demands for separate nation-states, causing tensions and conflicts as various ethnic groups sought self-determination and independence.

What were the consequences of nationalism in the 20th century?

Nationalism in the 20th century led to World War One and World War Two, with extreme forms of nationalism enabling atrocities like the Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust.

How did the script describe the role of public education and rituals in promoting nationalism?

Public education and rituals such as national anthems and pledges of allegiance were used to promote national unity and identity, helping to solidify the idea of a nation among its citizens.

What is the script's perspective on whether nationalism is good or bad?

The script presents nationalism as an ideology that has both empowered and subjugated, causing both great atrocities and triumphs. It leaves the judgment of whether nationalism is good or bad to the individual's interpretation of historical evidence.

What challenges does the script suggest for the future of nationalism?

The script suggests that future challenges for nationalism include imagining forms that unite rather than divide, and finding ways for nations to cooperate on shared global challenges like climate change that transcend national borders.

Outlines

00:00

🏁 Introduction to Nationalism

This paragraph introduces the concept of nationalism through the context of the Olympic Games, where individuals from different nations gather. It raises the question of why people feel a connection to a team based on nationality, despite not knowing the individuals personally. The paragraph explains that nationalism is an ideology that has significantly impacted the world over the past 200 years, allowing millions of strangers to share a common identity and goal. It argues that nations are imagined communities, and the belief in their existence and right to self-governance is central to nationalism. The paragraph also discusses the historical shift from local to national identities and how nationalism emerged as a powerful force in the late 18th century.

05:01

🌐 The Spread and Impact of Nationalism

This paragraph delves into the spread and impact of nationalism, starting with the French Revolution, which played a crucial role in promoting French culture and language. It discusses how universal conscription and military service contributed to the rise of nationalistic fervor, which in turn helped Napoleon build his armies. The paragraph also explores how nationalism inspired resistance among conquered peoples, leading to the formation of their own national identities. It highlights the challenges faced by nations like Italy and Germany in unifying diverse territories and the conflicts that arose as a result. The paragraph further discusses the global spread of nationalism, its role in the 20th century's major wars, and the atrocities committed under extreme forms of nationalism. It concludes by reflecting on the ongoing evolution of nationalism in the 21st century, including its potential for both unity and division.

10:03

🔍 The Complexities of Nationalism

This final paragraph examines the complexities of nationalism, acknowledging its role in both empowering and subjugating people. It points out that nationalism has led to significant conflicts and atrocities, as well as triumphs, such as the liberation of colonized peoples. The paragraph discusses how nationalists have created myths and histories to bolster their nation's identity, using public education and rituals to promote unity. It also raises the question of whether nationalism can evolve to unite rather than divide, especially in the face of global challenges like climate change. The paragraph concludes by inviting the audience to form their own opinion on the merits and drawbacks of nationalism, based on the evidence presented.

Keywords

💡Nationalism

Nationalism is an ideology that emphasizes the importance of a nation's identity, culture, and interests. It is defined by the belief that individuals within a nation share a common purpose and should act together to achieve shared goals. In the video, nationalism is presented as a powerful force that has shaped the modern world, influencing people to care deeply about their nation and even to fight and die for it. The script discusses how nationalism has led to the formation of nation-states and has been a driving force behind many historical events, including wars and revolutions.

💡Nation-state

A nation-state is a sovereign state whose citizens are members of the same nation. It is a political entity where the borders of a state correspond to the homeland of a people, as defined by shared culture, language, or history. The video script uses the concept of the nation-state to explain how nationalism has led to the establishment of countries where people believe they have a right to self-governance within their historical homelands. The script also discusses the challenges faced in defining nation-states, particularly in regions with diverse ethnic groups or disputed territories.

💡Identity

Identity in the context of the video refers to the sense of belonging and self-recognition that individuals have as members of a particular nation. It is a crucial aspect of nationalism, as it is through a shared identity that people feel connected to others in their nation, even if they have never met. The script explores how nationalism has made nationality a significant part of many people's identities, leading them to care about the fate of their nation and its representatives, such as athletes in the Olympics.

💡Imagined community

The term 'imagined community' is used by political scientist Benedict Anderson to describe the concept of a nation. It suggests that while members of a nation may never meet each other, they imagine a connection with their fellow nationals based on shared culture, language, or history. In the video, this concept is used to explain how nationalism creates a sense of community among people who might not have any direct personal connections, yet feel a strong bond due to their shared national identity.

💡Atlantic revolutions

The Atlantic revolutions refer to a series of revolutionary movements in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly the American Revolution and the French Revolution. These events played a significant role in the development of modern nationalism by challenging traditional monarchies and promoting the idea of self-governance by the people. The video script highlights how these revolutions inspired the concept of nations as political communities with the right to self-determination.

💡Self-governance

Self-governance is the idea that a group of people has the right to govern themselves without external interference. It is a central tenet of nationalism, as it asserts that nations have the right to control their own affairs within their defined borders. The video discusses how the concept of self-governance was a driving force behind the formation of nation-states and the push for independence from colonial powers.

💡Cultural project

A cultural project, in the context of the video, refers to the efforts made by nationalists to foster a shared culture among the members of a nation. This includes promoting a common language, history, and set of values. The script explains how cultural projects are used to strengthen national identity and create a sense of unity among people who might otherwise have little in common.

💡Empire

An empire is a group of territories under a single ruler or government, often spanning diverse cultures and ethnic groups. In contrast to nation-states, empires do not necessarily align their borders with the homelands of specific nations. The video script contrasts empires with nation-states to illustrate the shift from a world dominated by empires to one made up of nation-states, driven by nationalist movements.

💡Assimilation

Assimilation is the process by which individuals or groups adopt the culture, language, and customs of another group, often the dominant culture within a nation-state. The video discusses how assimilation was used as a tool by some nation-states to create a more homogeneous national identity, particularly in the context of military service and the promotion of a common language.

💡Militant nationalism

Militant nationalism is a form of nationalism characterized by aggressive advocacy for the interests of one's nation, often to the exclusion or detriment of other nations. The video script mentions the resurgence of militant nationalism in the 21st century, which can embrace racism and xenophobia, as a troubling development that continues to shape global politics and relations between nations.

💡Transnational identities

Transnational identities refer to a sense of belonging that transcends national borders, often based on shared cultural, economic, or political interests. The video suggests that with advancements in communication and travel, transnational identities are becoming increasingly significant, potentially challenging the traditional focus on nationalism and nation-states.

Highlights

Nationalism is an ideology that unites millions of strangers who have never met, sharing common goals and identities.

Nationalism's belief that state borders should match the homeland of a people was a radical idea in the 18th century.

Before nationalism, most people identified locally with their family, village, or religious community.

Nationalism is both a cultural and political project, asserting the existence of nations and their right to self-governance.

Benedict Anderson defined the nation as an 'imagined political community', emphasizing its cultural aspect.

Nationalism's power lies in its ability to make people believe in a shared identity and community.

The French Revolution played a pivotal role in shaping the comprehensive ideology of nationalism.

Nationalism inspired by the French Revolution led to the unification of diverse regions like Italy and Germany.

Nationalism has been a driving force behind many wars, as nations sought to define and protect their territories.

World War One was partly caused by nationalist competition and the assassination of the Austrian archduke by a Serbian nationalist.

Nationalism has led to some of history's greatest atrocities, including the Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust.

Post-World War Two, a wave of nationalism led colonized peoples to form their own nations,脱离帝国统治.

In the 21st century, nationalism continues to evolve amidst new technologies and transnational identities.

Nationalism's future may involve forms that unite rather than divide, facing global challenges like climate change.

Nationalism's impact is complex, provoking both humanity's greatest triumphs and atrocities.

The question of whether nationalism is good or bad is left to individual interpretation based on historical evidence.

Transcripts

Let's say you're watching the opening parade  of the Olympic Games, hundreds of individuals

marching together each under their own  banners, all wearing matching outfits.

Which team will you be rooting for? Why?  Did you say because they're from my country

or that's where my ancestors came from.  Maybe you just like the flag.

Let's think about that for a second. Why  does any of that matter to you?

You've probably never met any of these people.  They're most likely not from your hometown,

and I'm guessing you're not a world-class swimmer  or shot putter. Why do you care whether these

individuals win a game being played thousands of  miles away? Your answer to that question probably

reveals your participation in the most impactful  ideology of the last 200 years: nationalism.

Nationalism is an ideology that makes it  possible for millions of people, including

you, who have never and will never meet each other  to care about one another, to share a common goal,

to kill and to die for each other. Nationalism  is the belief that the borders of a state

should match the homeland of a people,  a nation. That might seem obvious to you.

Today, most everyone in the world is a citizen  of a nation-state, but in the late 18th century

nation was a pretty radical idea. In the  year 1750, most people identified locally

with their family or village or possibly  with a larger religious community.

People were used to being governed by someone  foreign, usually a monarch or an emperor, but

that all started to change at the end of the 18th  century when an age of revolutions reshaped power

in the Atlantic world. Now before we get ahead  of ourselves, let's define what nationalism is.

Nationalism is both a cultural and political  project, and it makes two big arguments:

first, that nations exist and second, that  nations have a right to govern themselves.

The political scientist Benedict Anderson defined  the nation as an imagined political community.

That's the cultural part of nationalism. It's  the "that's my team" part. Nationalism asserts

that nations exist, like the Italian nation  or the Nigerian nation, but you can't touch  

or hold a nation. It's something that a group of  people collectively believe in, but just because

it exists only in people's imaginations doesn't  make the idea any less powerful.

Unlike empires, nations are imagined as having a right to govern themselves within the border of some ancient homeland.

This idea is called a nation-state,  a sovereign state whose citizens are members

of the same nation, but believing something  doesn't make it real. Why has nationalism

been so powerful in the past two centuries?  Why do we live in a world of nation states?

Nationalism has made a lot of people believe  very deeply in the idea that they are part of

the same community and that their nationality  is the most important part of their identity.

Millions of people might believe in the same  nation. Like you and those Olympic athletes,

most of them will never meet each other.  Their societies might be terribly unequal,

and yet in their minds they all believe they're  citizens of the same great nation.

This belief makes it possible for millions of strangers to  share common goals and common identities.

It has made millions of strangers willing to fight,  to kill, and to die for each other.

So that's a powerful idea, and it has thoroughly reshaped  our world, so let's explore how that happened.

Benedict Anderson traced the  beginnings of modern nationalism

to the Atlantic revolutions of the late 18th and  early 19th century. There might have been some

isolated examples of nationalism earlier, but when  European colonies in the Americas stopped thinking

of themselves as subjects of European monarchs  and started to think of themselves as a nation,

that really got the nationalism ball rolling. The  French Revolution took these ideas flowing around

the Atlantic and put them together into  a comprehensive ideology of nationalism.

As the French rose up and fired their king by  decapitating him, the revolutionary government

desperately needed to unify their citizens in  the face of threats from other European monarchs.

They promoted French culture and French  language. Thanks to universal conscription,

military service became a national duty for every  male citizen. Nationalist passions helped Napoleon

build his armies and launch his conquests.  However, as Napoleon swept across Europe,

the presence of French conquerors inspired  conquered peoples to adopt their own nationalisms

as a strategy of resistance. It went something  like this. Hey, why do our oppressors keep

telling us their team France? Can't we  just form a team Italy and kick them out?

The forces of nationalism, once they were  unleashed, were hard to contain.

Now nationalism was straightforward in a country like France, which had a centralized government and relatively

well-defined borders, and they'd already cut  off their king's head, so they had a head start,

but other nations weren't so lucky. In places like  Italy and Germany, nationalists struggled to unify

many different principalities, city-states, and  kingdoms into a single nation.

In other places, nationalists rose up within large multi-ethnic empires, demanding their own nation-state

made up of Hungarians, Serbians, Greeks,  Turks, Czechs, Romanians, Ukrainians, and many others.

But no one seemed to quite agree  on what territory belonged to which nation or

even who should lead that nation, and so the  19th century saw many wars as nations unified

and empires crumbled. From the Atlantic revolutions,  nationalism spread around the globe. Nationalists

in Egypt, Japan, India, China, and elsewhere  imagined and demanded their own nations.

Nationalism spread like wildfire in the 19th  century, but it was the extreme violence of

the 20th century that made nationalism the most  important ideology in modern history.

World War One was caused in part by a Serbian nationalist  who assassinated the Austrian archduke,

but it was also caused by increasing nationalist  competition among Europe's great powers.

Extreme forms of nationalism made possible some of the  greatest atrocities in human history including

the Armenian Genocide and the many horrors of  the Second World War, particularly the Holocaust.

After the Second World War, a new wave of  nationalism swept the world as colonized peoples

liberated themselves from empire and formed  their own nations. Today in the 21st century,

nationalism continues to evolve. New technologies  make communication and travel easier,

and many argue that this makes new transnational  identities even more significant, but others still

point to the troubling resurgence of militant  nationalism, which embraces racism and xenophobia.

Nationalism is less than three centuries old  and for a species that only started building

cities about 50 centuries ago that makes it  pretty new, but it's also constructed on some

ideas that are very old. Nationalists search for  common historical experiences that link different

groups of people together. Shared language,  cultural traditions, and religion have all helped

nationalists create the idea that modern  nations have deep connections to the past,

and well if a deep connection didn't  really exist, nationalists just created it.

Nationalist thinkers and politicians created  myths and histories that supported the

idea of their nation. They promoted public  education and rituals like national anthems

and pledges of allegiance that promoted national  unity and national identities. These ideas spread

around the world quickly thanks to the rise of  mass printing and more literate populations.

So here's the question. Is nationalism good or  bad? Nationalism makes it possible for millions of

strangers to unify on a massive scale. It allows  people who have never met to cooperate with and  

even die for one another. Nationalism offered a  revolutionary ideology that has liberated millions

of people from the rule of kings and empires, but  nationalism has also caused a lot of conflicts

and atrocities since the long 19th century. That's  because once people started defining who belonged

in a nation, they also started defining who was  not a part of that nation.

Foreigners, political enemies, and minorities became frequent targets of nationalists. In some places,

nationalists defined membership to the nation along racial  or ethnic lines. Other places excluded women.

Often those considered foreign, like Jews in Nazi  Germany, were persecuted, murdered, and expelled

from their homes. Nationalism demands that the  nation come above all other identities.

Frequently, this has driven nations to war as they compete  for the same territory or for national prestige.

Even today, millions of people in  Kurdistan, Basque, Spain, Quebec,

Angola, Tibet, and many other places believe  that they should have their own nation-state.

Many continue to fight and to die for this  belief. For better and for worse, we live

in a world of nation-states. Nationalism has  provoked some of humanity's greatest atrocities

as well as our greatest triumphs. It's an ideology  that both empowers and subjugates. Nationalism is

probably here to stay, so in the future can  we imagine forms of nationalism that unite,

rather than divide? Is it possible for a world  of many different nations to cooperate toward

shared goals in an era where challenges like  climate change transcend our national borders?

So is nationalism good bad or both?

That's up to you to decide for yourself using  evidence that you find in this course and beyond.