Nationalism
Nationalism is based on the belief that people who share a common culture, ethnic background
and history should be allowed to govern themselves.
Feelings of loyalty and collective action motivates people to fight for independence, overthrow
their oppressors and celebrate their own cultures.
Once self-rule is achieved, nationalism can bind a nation together with feelings of pride.
Nationalism can be abusive when taken to the extreme. It can make a country believe they are better
than others. Extreme nationalism is driven by strong, charismatic leaders, who encourage
expansion and the conquest of new territories in order to bring glory and power to their nation.
In the 18th/19th centuries, the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the unification
of Germany and Italy challenged the old political/economic power institutions of the
monarchy and the church.
In their place, emerged newly-constructed societies in which power shifted to the people and the
nation was all-important.
The Industrial Revolution brought the invention of new technology, factory system of
production and urbanisation (large populations left rural areas to seek work in towns/cities).
Society was changing, stimulated by improved access to newspapers and books, which increased the
circulation of ideas and information.
The Industrial Revolution resulted in a deep divide between the rich and poor and the emergence of a
middle class.
By 1850, social divisions in Europe were based on wealth instead of possession of land.
Despite the great freedoms fought for (French Revolution) most European countries were still ruled
by monarchs who denied ordinary people any part in government. Also the new wealth made
from the Industrial Revolution remained in the hands of a few rich industrialists.
These newly-rich capitalists, with the emerging middle class, demanded more political rights.
Political/economic instability after 1850 stimulated increased nationalism in Europe.
, Before unification, Germany and Italy had consisted of many small states each under its own
ruler. The formation of these united states led to new developments. They looked to develop their
economies and to find more wealth and power through colonial expansion.
Modern nationalism has shaped new identities and dreams for nations. In a new nation, people are
encouraged to participate in and be loyal to their nation, even though they might not know
everyone in it. People are committed to serve and defend one’s people.
This is known as an ‘imagined community’
Nationalism vs Patriotism
Nationalism - The desire for political independence of people who feel they are historically or
culturally a separate group within a country.
Can be a positive unifying force (Independent movements in Africa)
Can be a negative divisive force (Superiority complex)
Although both are based on the feelings of love people feel for the country, the values on which
these feelings are based are different.
Patriotism is based on positive values the country embraces (freedom, justice, equality)
Nationalism is based on a belief that one country is superior to another. Connected to feelings of
distrust and disapproval of other countries, leading to the perception of rivals.
Sometimes nationalists call for their country’s global dominance.
Patriotism is pride in who you are.
Nationalism is pride in who you aren’t.
Rise of Afrikaner nationalism
Only in the 20th century, the term ‘Afrikaner’ was used to describe a group of people who spoke
Afrikaans.
The National Party created a form of exclusive ethnic nationalism to protect the Afrikaner
‘people’ or volk.
Before the 20th century, Afrikaners in the Cape Colony were disunited and fractured. This was
evident in the splintered trekker parties during the Great Trek.
Nationalism is based on the belief that people who share a common culture, ethnic background
and history should be allowed to govern themselves.
Feelings of loyalty and collective action motivates people to fight for independence, overthrow
their oppressors and celebrate their own cultures.
Once self-rule is achieved, nationalism can bind a nation together with feelings of pride.
Nationalism can be abusive when taken to the extreme. It can make a country believe they are better
than others. Extreme nationalism is driven by strong, charismatic leaders, who encourage
expansion and the conquest of new territories in order to bring glory and power to their nation.
In the 18th/19th centuries, the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the unification
of Germany and Italy challenged the old political/economic power institutions of the
monarchy and the church.
In their place, emerged newly-constructed societies in which power shifted to the people and the
nation was all-important.
The Industrial Revolution brought the invention of new technology, factory system of
production and urbanisation (large populations left rural areas to seek work in towns/cities).
Society was changing, stimulated by improved access to newspapers and books, which increased the
circulation of ideas and information.
The Industrial Revolution resulted in a deep divide between the rich and poor and the emergence of a
middle class.
By 1850, social divisions in Europe were based on wealth instead of possession of land.
Despite the great freedoms fought for (French Revolution) most European countries were still ruled
by monarchs who denied ordinary people any part in government. Also the new wealth made
from the Industrial Revolution remained in the hands of a few rich industrialists.
These newly-rich capitalists, with the emerging middle class, demanded more political rights.
Political/economic instability after 1850 stimulated increased nationalism in Europe.
, Before unification, Germany and Italy had consisted of many small states each under its own
ruler. The formation of these united states led to new developments. They looked to develop their
economies and to find more wealth and power through colonial expansion.
Modern nationalism has shaped new identities and dreams for nations. In a new nation, people are
encouraged to participate in and be loyal to their nation, even though they might not know
everyone in it. People are committed to serve and defend one’s people.
This is known as an ‘imagined community’
Nationalism vs Patriotism
Nationalism - The desire for political independence of people who feel they are historically or
culturally a separate group within a country.
Can be a positive unifying force (Independent movements in Africa)
Can be a negative divisive force (Superiority complex)
Although both are based on the feelings of love people feel for the country, the values on which
these feelings are based are different.
Patriotism is based on positive values the country embraces (freedom, justice, equality)
Nationalism is based on a belief that one country is superior to another. Connected to feelings of
distrust and disapproval of other countries, leading to the perception of rivals.
Sometimes nationalists call for their country’s global dominance.
Patriotism is pride in who you are.
Nationalism is pride in who you aren’t.
Rise of Afrikaner nationalism
Only in the 20th century, the term ‘Afrikaner’ was used to describe a group of people who spoke
Afrikaans.
The National Party created a form of exclusive ethnic nationalism to protect the Afrikaner
‘people’ or volk.
Before the 20th century, Afrikaners in the Cape Colony were disunited and fractured. This was
evident in the splintered trekker parties during the Great Trek.
