Nationalism Notes

Nationalism

Definition of Nationalism

• Intense feeling of pride and unity towards one’s country.

Characteristics of Nationalism

• Governance: Governing a distinct territory and being independent of other countries.

• Value System: Value freedom and prioritize their own nation.

• Cultural Foundations: Common cultural foundations including shared history and education.

• Global Relations: Generally avoid joining global organizations and show hesitation in collaborating with other countries.

• Scope of Identity: Does not strictly identify with a single race, ethnicity, religion, or language.

• Complex Nature: Contains both positive and negative elements.

Problems with Nationalism

• Fears and Paranoia: Can incite fears regarding other nations, ethnic groups, religions, and cultures.

• Violence and Conflict: May contribute to violence, scapegoating, and international conflicts.

Nationalism vs. Patriotism

Definitions

• Nationalism: Pride and belief in one’s country, potentially leading to a sense of superiority over other nations.

• Patriotism: Pride in one's country with a willingness to defend it, but not necessarily towards aggression against others.

Attitudes

• Nationalist Attitudes: May harbor feelings of entitlement over other nations due to perceived superiority.

• Patriotic Attitudes: Focus on the intrinsic value of one's own country without the need to dominate others.

Illustrative Comparison

• Patriotism: “I’m going to work on my house because it’s the best house.”

• Nationalism: “My house is the best house simply because it’s mine!”

Historical Context of Nationalism

George Washington

• Presidency: First president of the U.S., won by a landslide; emphasized nationalism and unity.

• Influential Leadership: Urged Congress to prioritize national unity over state issues.

• Retirement: Despite wishing to retire to his plantation, Washington served two terms due to his crucial role in unifying the country.

• Final Address: Warned against foreign wars and the formation of political parties.

Birth of Political Parties

• Federalists: Supported by Northern towns and Southern merchants; led by Hamilton and Adams.

  • Beliefs: Strong national government, limited states’ rights, favoring wealthy and educated rule.

• Republicans: Supported by rural northern farming communities and southern backcountry; led by Jefferson and Madison.

  • Beliefs: Weak national government, states’ rights, support for farmers, against a national bank.

Louisiana Purchase

• Historical Context: Territory transferred from Spain to France, controlled by Napoleon.

• Negotiation: Jefferson sought to purchase New Orleans.

• Outcome: Napoleon sold the entire territory to the U.S. for $15 million, doubling the size of the country.

• Exploration: Lewis and Clark sent to explore and establish relationships with Native Americans.

War of 1812

Causes of the War

1. Impressment: Forced American sailors into the British Navy.

2. Trade Interference: British blockades affected American trade with France and other nations.

3. Native American Incitement: British encouragement of Native attacks on American settlers.

4. Territorial Ambitions: Desire to claim Canadian land.

Key Events

• National Anthem: Written by Francis Scott Key, inspired by the defense of Fort McHenry.

• Treaty of Ghent: Ended the war, returning to status quo; highlighted losses for Native Americans.

• Battle of New Orleans: Andrew Jackson led the American forces to victory, strengthening national pride.

Impact of the War

1. Boosted American patriotism and nationalism.

2. Weakened Native American resistance.

3. Increased focus on manufacturing due to loss of trade.

4. Established the U.S. as a world power capable of defending itself.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

Key Principles

1. U.S. declared the Western Hemisphere off-limits to further European colonization.

2. European interference in Latin America considered a hostile act.

3. Monroe warned that any such actions would be met with U.S. response.

4. Despite criticism, few nations directly challenged the doctrine.

The Missouri Compromise (1820)

• Contextual Background: Addressed the balance of free and slave states in America.

• Geographical Overview: Ensured Missouri became a slave state while Maine entered as a free state, maintaining political equilibrium.