7.2-7.5 Nationalism

Topic 7.2 Nationalism

Nationalism emerged in Europe in the early 1800s as a strong emotional attachment to one’s ethnic or cultural group.
It began as a cultural movement emphasizing art, literature, and music, evolving into a politically charged movement.
Nationalism emphasized common culture, which led to both unity and division among nations.

Promoters of Nationalism: Various approaches to encourage nationalism:
- Romanticism: Celebrating cultural pride and individual commoner.
- National Aggrandizement: Promoting nations' perceived greatness.
- Racism: Believing in the superiority of certain races, often intertwining with nationalism.
- Pan-Slavism: A movement for Slavic unity across Eastern Europe.
- Antisemitism: Negative attitudes against Jewish populations, which intensified during this era.

The growth of nationalism in the 19th century was influenced significantly by romantic idealism:
- Figures like the Grimm Brothers (folk tales) and Richard Wagner (operas) celebrated German culture.
- Writers like Victor Hugo highlighted personal struggles against oppressive societies.

Johann Gottlieb Fichte: Emphasized the unique position of German culture and advocated for Germany’s role as a leader among nations.
Fichte’s ideas were misused by nationalist leaders promoting aggressive nationalism.

Racism: The belief that some races were inherently superior to others, contributing to nationalistic ideologies.
- Pan-Slavism: Promoted unity among Slavic peoples, particularly in Russia, seeking liberation from foreign rule.
- Antisemitism: Despite legal equality for Jews in many Western European nations, antisemitism grew alongside nationalism.
- In Russia, pogroms against Jews became prevalent in the late 19th century.

Conservative leaders in France, Italy, and Prussia harnessed nationalism to strengthen and unify their states:
- Post-1848 revolutions in France led to the election of Louis-Napoleon, later known as Napoleon III, promoting liberal reforms and modernization projects including public infrastructure.

Nationalism in Italy advanced significantly influenced by key leaders:
- Giuseppe Mazzini: Advocated for a unified Italian state but faced numerous obstacles including Austrian control and regional divisions.
  - Founded the Young Italy movement; although he inspired many, his uprisings were often unsuccessful.
- Camillo di Cavour: Prime Minister of Piedmont-Sardinia, leveraged diplomacy for northern Italian unification, utilizing the Risorgimento movement.

Otto von Bismarck: Utilized a blend of liberalism and nationalism for German unification:
- Linked wars (Denmark, Austria, France) to stoke nationalist sentiment.
- Prussia expanded and solidified German unity through strategic military actions and political manipulation.

Nationalism in multi-ethnic empires like Austria caused increased tensions among different ethnic groups.
The Ausgleich of 1867 established the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary, recognizing Hungarian autonomy but neglecting other minorities.

Jews faced historical persecution and were often scapegoated during nationalistic movements.
Dreyfus Affair: Highlighted ongoing antisemitism in France and the scapegoating of Jews as social tensions grew.
Zionism: Promoted by Theodore Herzl, advocating for a Jewish homeland, driven by the need for self-determination amidst continued antisemitism forms.

Nationalism: Emotional attachment to one's nation.
Romanticism: Cultural movement emphasizing emotion and individual identity.
Pan-Slavism: Nationalist approach advocating for Slavic unity.
Antisemitism: Prejudice against Jews, exacerbated by nationalism.
Zionism: Movement for the establishment of a Jewish state, largely as a response to ongoing antisemitism.