Samurai, Daimyo, Matthew Perry, and Nationalism: Crash Course World History #34

Summary

In this episode of Crash Course World History, John Green explores the rise of nationalism in the 19th century, highlighting its role in shaping modern nation-states. He examines examples from Europe, such as Bismarck’s Germany and Mazzini's Italy, as well as from places like Japan and Egypt. Nationalism, often driven by both external threats and internal movements, led to the consolidation of power and cultural identity within new nation-states. Green also discusses the darker side of nationalism, including imperialism and conflict, setting the stage for future episodes on European imperialism.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nationalism was the most important global phenomenon of the nineteenth century, shaping countries around the world.
• 😀 Nationalism has been associated with key historical figures like Bismarck, Garibaldi, and Ataturk, but also with leaders like Muhammad Ali and even Abraham Lincoln.
• 😀 The modern nation-state is defined by a centralized government with control over a specific territory and a degree of cultural and linguistic homogeneity.
• 😀 Nationalism is difficult to define, as it can involve both organic processes and government-led construction through education, military service, and public symbols.
• 😀 Nationalism was influenced by industrialization and urbanization, as seen in places like Prague and India, where people began to see themselves as part of a nation.
• 😀 Nationalism often arose in opposition to external threats, such as in the Napoleonic Wars, the American Civil War, and the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
• 😀 Multiethnic empires, like the Ottoman Empire, were destabilized by rising nationalist movements, leading to the independence of various groups like the Greeks and Serbs.
• 😀 The rise of nationalism in Japan was influenced by external threats, including Western imperialism, especially the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853.
• 😀 The Meiji Restoration of 1868 marked Japan's transition from a feudal society to a modern nation-state, with new government systems, a conscript army, and compulsory education.
• 😀 Nationalism in Japan, like in other countries, was a double-edged sword: while it contributed to modernization, it also led to expansionist actions like the invasion of Taiwan and the acquisition of Hokkaido and Okinawa.
• 😀 Nationalism, when used in a destructive way, often leads to conflict and a focus on homogenizing identities, as seen in Japan's early expansionist actions and later imperialism.

Q & A

What is nationalism, and why was it significant in the 19th century?

Nationalism is a political and cultural ideology that emphasizes loyalty to a nation-state and its people. In the 19th century, it became a powerful force globally, leading to the formation of modern nation-states and the redefinition of political boundaries. Nationalism was significant because it united people based on shared cultural, linguistic, or historical ties and often contributed to the collapse of empires.

What is a nation-state, and what are its key characteristics?

A nation-state is a political entity with a centralized government that claims authority over a defined territory and typically has a population with cultural and linguistic homogeneity. The two main components of a nation-state are the 'state' (a governing authority over a territory) and the 'nation' (a shared identity among its people).

How does nationalism differ from other forms of political identity?

Nationalism emphasizes the creation of a nation-state based on shared cultural, linguistic, or historical identity. Unlike other political ideologies, which may focus on class, religion, or ideology, nationalism creates a sense of unity among people who consider themselves a part of a specific territorial entity, often reinforcing the idea of self-determination and independence.

How did nationalism manifest globally in the 19th century?

Nationalism spread across the globe in the 19th century, influencing both European and non-European countries. Key examples include the unifications of Italy and Germany, the independence movements in the Balkans and Latin America, the creation of the Indian National Congress, and Egypt’s move toward self-governance under Muhammad Ali. Nationalism was not limited to Europe and became a force in the shaping of global politics.

What role did industrialization play in the development of nationalism?

Industrialization and urbanization contributed to the rise of nationalism by fostering greater communication and organization among people. As cities grew, people began to see themselves as part of a larger national community. Nationalism was often associated with modernization, as industrialized nations sought to unify and strengthen their economies and military capabilities.

Why was nationalism destabilizing for multi-ethnic empires?

Nationalism was destabilizing for multi-ethnic empires like the Ottoman Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Russian Empire because it encouraged ethnic groups to demand independence or autonomy. Nationalist movements led to the fragmentation of these empires, as people sought to form their own nation-states based on shared identity, which threatened the empires' political cohesion.

What was the impact of external threats on Japan's nationalism in the 19th century?

External threats, such as the humiliating defeat of China in the Opium Wars and the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry’s fleet in 1853, forced Japan to confront the reality that it needed to modernize to maintain its sovereignty. This external pressure spurred Japan’s nationalism, leading to the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the Meiji Restoration, where Japan transformed into a modern nation-state.

How did Japan’s government change during the Meiji Restoration?

During the Meiji Restoration, Japan’s government underwent significant reforms. The Tokugawa shogunate was replaced with a central imperial government. A European-style cabinet system was created, and in 1889, Japan promulgated a constitution. Samurai were integrated into the bureaucracy, and Japan’s new conscript army and education system helped consolidate national unity.

What was the role of public education in Japan's nationalism?

Public education played a key role in Japan’s nationalism by fostering loyalty to the state and creating a unified national identity. Compulsory education, which began in 1872, helped instill national pride and patriotism, contributing to the modernization of Japan. Despite initial resistance, education became an essential tool for shaping Japan’s future citizens and solidifying national unity.

How did nationalism contribute to Japan’s imperial expansion?

Nationalism in Japan spurred the desire to establish the country as a regional power. The Meiji government’s drive to modernize led to territorial expansions, including the acquisition of Hokkaido, Okinawa, and military actions like the invasion of Taiwan in the 1870s. Nationalism in Japan, like in other countries, often thrived on conflict and territorial expansion, as creating a unified national identity sometimes involved asserting dominance over other regions.