Question

How nationalism is the result of political awakening in the modern world? Discuss.

Hint:

When discussing the link between nationalism and political awakening, focus on the French Revolution. It was the catalyst that transformed the idea of the state from a king's domain to a nation of citizens, laying the ideological foundation for modern nationalism.

Answer 1

Nationalism, the feeling of collective identity and unity among a group of people based on shared language, culture, history, and territory, is fundamentally a product of the political awakening that characterized the modern world. This awakening was spurred by several key historical developments.
\begin{enumerate} \item The Rise of the Modern State: The decline of feudalism and the rise of centralized monarchies created clearly defined territorial states. People living within these borders began to develop a shared identity separate from their local or religious affiliations. \item The French Revolution (1789): This was a pivotal moment. It replaced the idea of a kingdom being the private property of a monarch with the concept of the "nation-state," where sovereignty resides with the people (the citizens). The ideals of "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" and the concept of a "nation of citizens" inspired people across Europe to see themselves as part of a national community with the right to self-determination. \item The Napoleonic Wars: Napoleon's conquests, while spreading French revolutionary ideas, also provoked a powerful nationalist backlash. People in Spain, Germany, and Italy united to resist French domination, fostering a strong sense of their own national identity in the process. \item Spread of Education and Print Culture: The rise of literacy and the printing press allowed for the widespread dissemination of ideas. Newspapers, pamphlets, and books in vernacular languages helped create a shared public sphere and standardized languages, which were crucial in forging a common national consciousness. \item Economic Unification: The Industrial Revolution led to the creation of national economies with integrated markets, railways, and communication networks. This economic interdependence helped break down regional barriers and fostered a sense of national unity. \end{enumerate} In conclusion, the shift from subjects of a monarch to citizens of a nation, fueled by revolutionary ideas, resistance to foreign rule, and modern communication, constituted the political awakening that gave birth to modern nationalism.