With the idea of an individual, collective identity coming to the forefront of empires and colonies in the 17th century, nationalism was on the rise. People no longer needed to identify by their town, village, or empire, they could now identify by their nation. Said nation would represent a common history, language, culture, and more. Unfortunately, nationalism would also cause an increase in ideas of superiority, often making countries more competitive and discriminatory than before. Let's examine the origins of nationalism in Europe, America, Asia, and India!
Definition of Nationalism
Nationalism is the idea that a nation holds sovereignty over its nation-state; it should be allowed to govern itself without interference from the outside. Nationalism aims to build a single national identity consisting of shared characteristics such as language, history, and culture. It creates what is called an "imagined community" through shared iconography, like flags and national anthems, and a shared history of the nation.
It is important to remember that there are different definitions of a "nation," which leads to different sorts of nationalism. However, the idea and the movement of nationalism can be narrowed down into two groups; ethnic nationalism and civic nationalism.
Sovereignty:
The power and authority of a state to govern itself.
Ethnic Nationalism:
Also known as "ethnonationalism" is the idea that a nation and nationality are defined by ethnicity. It tends to hold a very ethnocentric view on political issues and shows favor to certain groups.
Civic Nationalism:
The dedication and support for one's country regardless of another citizen's religion, ethnicity, or race. It holds the idea of shared values over shared physical or religious characteristics.
Origins of Nationalism in Europe
The French Revolutionary Era would hold great influence over the spread of nationalism as an ideology across Europe. Before the formation of the French Republic in 1792, the Empire was split into 3 distinct "estates." The first was the Church, the second was the Noblemen, and the third was the common people; the first and the second held "privilege" over the third, meaning only the poor had to pay taxes. The French Revolution aimed to change this feudal system into something more modern; with the lead of Napoleon, reforms would sweep across France.
Napoleon crossing the Alps, 1800. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
As Napoleon worked to create a common French history and identity, he occupied many other European countries and proved to them that self-determination was the way to go. While trying to expand his nation, Napoleon accidentally lead other countries into uniting themselves the same way he did France. Upon the countries coming together to defeat the French in the name of their lands, they also began to take part in the movement of nationalism.
Nationalism after Napoleon
As nationalism began sweeping into other European countries, the middle classes began to resent the aristocracy and preferred popularly elected governments. The people also began to favor free markets, without the influence of government interference.
After the death of Napoleon in 1821, nationalism became more attached to conservative ideas. For example, the rulers of the nations of Russia, Austria, France, and Belgium used nationalism to restore conservative rule with strict laws, strong armies, and bureaucracy. This began to create authoritarian regimes in these countries. Oppositely, the nations of Germany, Italy, and Greece for example, created underground societies in support of creating democratic nations, which in turn founded their nation-states. As nationalism created these nation-states, they began to compete with each other due to the rise of imperialism. This mentality would lead to the outbreak of World War 1 in 1914.
Imperialism:
The tendency for a country to extend its power and influence on others through diplomacy or force.
Origins of Nationalism in America
American nationalism was formed in the 18th century after taking inspiration from the French Revolution, the Puritan Revolution, and the works of John Locke. The American settlers quickly became a nation that fought for liberty and individual rights. The first document to ever express these beliefs was "The Declaration of Independence" drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1787.
John LockeJohn Locke was one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers, often referred to as "The Father of Liberalism." He believed deeply in the idea of a social contract and heavily influenced political philosophy.
The social contract is a mutual understanding between the elected state representatives and the individuals. The contract means that an individual is willing to give up some freedoms to the authority in exchange for the protection of their remaining rights and social order.
Despite America quickly becoming known for its greater liberty, equality, and happiness, the first Naturalization Act of 1790 made it clear that American identity and citizenship rode on clear racial lines. The Act declared that "free white men of good character" could become citizens, and that it would not be granted to people of color or those not of acceptable European descent.
This document encouraged the ethnonationalist idea that the country should be a purely white nation. This ideology unfortunately still holds today in many far-right politics in the United States.
On the other end, America prides itself on the spread and influence of democracy across the world with the goal of serving the interests of humanity. However, because the country equates its wants to those of others, this creates an idea of American exceptionalism, which can be seen on both ends of the United States political spectrum.
The Ideological Origins of Black Nationalism
Black Nationalism was a political and social movement that came forward in the 1960s and 70s and was inspired by Marcus Garvey’s "Universal Negro Improvement Association" of the 1920s. The movement aimed to provide Black Americans with more economic power and unite black communities with a sense of commonality. As an alternative to assimilating to the white American culture that had oppressed them for so long, Black Americans sought to celebrate their own identity and heritage with slogans such as "Black Power" and "Black is Beautiful." Important and influential people in this movement were Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael, Martin Delaney, Louis Farrakhan, and Marcus Garvey.
Malcolm X. Source: US Library of Congress
Marcus Garvey. Source: US Library of Congress.Origins of Nationalism in Asia
Nationalisms in Asia can all identify with one common feature: they developed largely in response to Western invasion and intrusion into their territories. Though the 19th and 20th centuries, Western powers were competing for influence over Asia; India, Burma, and Malaya were British colonies, the East Indies were Dutch colonies, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos (known collectively as Indochina) were French colonies, and the Philippines were occupied by the United States. The US also forcefully opened Japan and China to foreign trading and implemented settlements (mini colonies) in the territories.
The elites of these Asian countries played a large role in the development of their nation's nationalism. By sending their children to schools of Western influence, nationalism became a means of survival. Anti-colonialism spread far and quickly across Asia.
What did Nationalism do for Asia?
To avoid changes from Western influence, Asian leaders promised their people that with the removal of Western colonies, their economies and lives would be greatly enhanced. Beginning in the 1960s this became true, and Asia saw what was known as the "East Asian Economic Miracle." The economies and living standards of Japan, Singapore, and South Korea were greatly enhanced, as well as those of India and China in the last two decades of the 20th century.
However, one of the greatest challenges for Asian nationalism (as well as others), has been the language, ethnic, and religious divides. If Asian countries were to implement ethnic or linguistic nationalism, how would they treat their minorities? These problems are even more complex because Asian Empires had almost constantly changing borders. In response, each nation has sought its own unique solution.
Origins of Nationalism in India
Nationalism in India is a perfect example of how difficult it can be to find happy mediums in terms of inclusivity. Beginning in 1930, the Congress Party sought to separate from the control of the English Crown. The Muslim League was formed in response to this, as they wanted to ensure their fair place as a minority in independent India. This led to communal tensions and violence as well as the eventual separation from England in 1947. Though the Congress Party did hold little Muslim support, it was predominantly Hindu.
Nationalism Divided India
From its independence, two countries came about: the Republic of India and Pakistan, following a religious divide rather than ethnic, cultural, and linguistic. Rioting and civil war within the two nations sent large amounts of people transferring between them; with Muslims fleeing to Pakistan and Hindus and Sikhs fleeing to India.
Pakistan broke up in 1971 with the East turning into what is now Bangladesh–despite both being predominantly Muslim regions. This separation was accepted by the people quickly, giving tensions between them a moment of relief. However, Pakistan still aims to forge its identity separate from India based on their countries rivalry. They have fought in three wars against each other rearranging the territory's sovereignty, like with Kashmir, which is divided into three administrations: Pakistani, Chinese, and Indian.
- Though blossoming from different roots, nationalism across the world has developed in response to both internal and external enemies. Creating a nation by promising economic growth and improved quality of life has been successful in many cases, particularly in Asia and India. Though it can cause further divisions and discrimination, nationalism also unites the people of a country and creates multiple unique identities all over the globe.
Origins of Nationalism - Key takeaways
- Nationalism is the idea that a nation holds sovereignty over its nation-state; it should be allowed to govern itself without interference from the outside. Nationalism aims to build a single national identity consisting of shared characteristics such as language, history, and culture.
- There are two main forms of Nationalism; Ethnic Nationalism and Civic Nationalism.
- Modern nationalism was birthed during the French Revolution, spreading first through Europe, then to America, and finally through Asia and Africa in response to Western colonization.
- Imperialism (extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or force) would stem from Nationalism, causing events such as World War I.
- Though Nationalism can cause further divisions and discrimination, it also unites the people of a country and creates multiple unique identities all over the globe.
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