Nationalism Flashcards
When did nationalism first become a political movement?
Mid-19th century
Simplest definition of nationalism?
The idea that the nation is the most appropriate unit of government
What key theories are associated with nationalism?
The nation
Organic community
Self-determination
Identity politics
Describe the basic idea of ‘organic community’
- People are naturally divided into a collection of nations with distinctive characters and identities
- ‘Higher loyalty’ to the nation than to any other collective group
Describe the basic idea of ‘self-determination’
- A nation governing itself
- Nation isn’t just a natural community but also a political community
- Often expressed through independence however sometimes through federalism or devolution
Describe the basic idea of ‘identity politics’
- Andrew Haywood – “Nationalism tells people who they are”
- Cultural nationalism emphasises the nation as a distinctive civilisation rather than political community = less rational, traditional, romantic
- Ethnic nationalism emphasises loyalty to a particular population, group or geographical area and is seen as exclusive
What is a state?
A political term that refers to a geographical area that is organised and has a government
What are the 4 components of a state?
Territory, people, government, and sovereignty
What is a nation?
A population who share a similar culture and ideas that can be formed as a result of many factors including a common race, religion, language or history
Who are the main thinkers of nationalism?
Von Herder Rousseau Mazzini Maurras Garvey
Describe Von Herder:
- 18th century German writer
- Overarching conservative nationalism
- Linked to romantic and cultural nationalism = every nation different with own character
- Each nation possesses a ‘volksgeist’ – national spirit
- Importance of language “Has a nation anything dearer than the speech of its fathers”
- Regressive
Describe Rousseau:
- 18th century French philosopher
- Father of liberal nationalism
- Influenced the French Revolution
- Self-determination and popular sovereignty
- Civic nationalism – state is legitimate as it is based on active participation of citizens
- Will of people
- Liberal, progressive, rational, civic
Describe Mazzini:
- 19th century Italian writer
- Liberal nationalism and ideas of nationhood
- Patriotism = a duty
- Founded ‘Young Italy’ – revolutionary nationalist movement linked to self-determination to overthrow monarchies
- Romantic nationalism
- Republicanism – combination of nationalism and popular democracy
- Liberal, progressive, emotional, cultural
Describe Maurras:
- 19th/20th century right-wing French nationalist
- Restoring traditional values and being patriotic
- Xenophobic – blamed Jewish people for decline in French fortune
- Ultra-conservative nationalism
- Integral nationalism – intense and very emotional, demands complete obedience to ideals of the nation and can be linked to Fascism
- Militarism
- Interests of the nation should always be more important than narrow self-interest
Describe Garvey:
- 20th century Jamaican activist
- Equality
- Ultimate dream was a United States of Africa
- Wanted to end imperial rule
- Black nationalism and black pride
- Pan-Africanism
- Inspired Malcolm X and Nation of Islam