Western Civilization: The Effects Of Nationalism

Following the French Revolution and spanning from 1880 until the beginning of World War I in 1914, the liberals throughout Europe sought to create a widespread awakening of national identity as well as cultural self-expression. Additionally, the political push for each nation group to have their own governments was very strongly felt. As a result, throughout Western Civilization, nationalism was widespread and very popular. Though initially a unification of the nation took place, nationalism was ultimately a force of division throughout Europe. In order to realize the effects of nationalism throughout Western Civilization, one must first understand the concept of nationalism. Nationalism is an ideology which asserts a nation is formed by a group of people with a common identity, language, history, and set of customs. According to nationalists, loyalty to one's nation is critical, and the people of a nation must band together to promote the good of their country, to defend it, to extend its boundaries and culture, and to fulfill its destiny. Nations, nationalists’ further claim, must be independent and ruled by their own people, who rally around their
As a result, the people of France began to unite and express their loyalty to the nation. ‘Citizens turned to their legislative bodies and a central, national government for guidance rather than to a king or to a class of noblemen. Even a standard French language spread throughout the country, overtaking and replacing regional dialects. France had become a sovereign nation, and its people grew in their national loyalty. Many of them believed that their new system was working well, and they were ready to move out into the world to bring their discoveries to