The Road to World War 1

Nationalism before World War 1

Sense of pride in one’s nation from common history, common language, common racial background, common cultural practices

Can be twisted into a negative/destructive force

Before 18th century, nationalism wasn’t clearly present

Nationalism Continuum

Nationalism of Patriotism (mild/healthy): e.g Canada vs. US in the olympics

Nationalism of superiority (egocentric): “We are the best country”

Nationalism of Exclusion (Radical, racist, violent): "only select people are part of the “best country”

Other Loyalties

The King: a distant, untouchable figure, but loyalty was never questioned

The Church: local clergy were the most important and powerful people in a community

Family/Community: harsh living conditions required mutual dependence, no time to debate ideologies

“Divine Right of Kings”

rule sanctioned by God to monarchs

Examples of Nationalism

Austro-Hungarian Empire: controlled much of Central Europe and the Balkans, many people wanted their own individual nations and to be free of Austria

Ottoman Empire: controlled the parts of Europe that Austro-Hungarian Empire did not (modern Turkey)

Imperialism