nationalism

Culture

2022

We explain what nationalism is and when it arose. Also, types of nationalism, examples and characteristics.

Nationalism as an ideology emerged in the 19th century.

What is nationalism?

Nationalism is the ideology and political movement that exacerbates the sense of belonging and identity that an individual or group has over their nation. While the patriot is one who feels love for his country, the nationalist requires a clear political position, generally associated with a party and tending to action.

Nationalism defends the union ofCondition and nation (understanding the nation as the basis of the State) and the common features among the individuals who inhabit it (language, culture, traditions, traditions). In addition, it postulates the need to rule and inhabit the entire territory considered proper to the nation, this has been the subject of long debates and wars between nations.

See also:Globalization

When did the concept of nationalism emerge?

Nationalism is a product of the modernity, so to speak of him before this period is an anachronism.

Although we can find precedents for what a nationalism would be in certain reactions against thefeudalism by an incipientbourgeoisie, the concept of nationalism is associated with the emergence of States as the center of social and political organization.

The rise of nationalisms went through different stages, seeing its harshest expression during the 20th century, when ideologies such as Nazism in Germany, Francoism in Spain or thefascism in Italy they showed how dangerous the exacerbation of nationalisms is.

The most resonant case is that of Germany, Adolf Hitler channeled German discontent and frustration over the defeat of theFirst World War in an exacerbation of national identity and racism. Nationalist pride became the justification for a despotic regime, which believed that its country was destined to occupy a preferential place over other countries and cultures.

Exacerbated nationalism can lead to acts of xenophobia, discrimination, Y violence.

Types of nationalism

Religious nationalism identifies a nation with a religion.
  • Liberal nationalism. It identifies each nation with the liberal values ​​of the equality, the tolerance and the Liberty added to an active participation of citizens. For liberal nationalism, the emergence of each nation is the product of the will of the citizens that compose it.
  • Religious nationalism. Identify each nation with a religion.
  • Romantic nationalism. It identifies each nation with an ethnic group and reflects ideas of the romanticism, such as the development of a national language, the promotion of traditions Y traditions local.
  • Ethnic nationalism. It identifies each nation with an ethnic group in which the nationality is transmitted from generation to generation.
  • Inclusive nationalism. Seeks the union of populations with common features that inhabit and are part of different states.
  • Disintegrating nationalism. It seeks the separation of a minority from the State of which it is a part by having features that differentiate it from the majority.

Characteristics of nationalism

  • Use symbols. Flags, hymns, saints are used by nationalism to exacerbate a national identity and mark differences from other nations.
  • It uses common elements. The tongue, the historical accounts, culture and religion are used by nationalism to generate identity and foster internal unity.
  • It is based on the idea of ​​a nation-state. The figure of a nation is used, which is delimited by a territory inhabited by a population that shares characteristics and is administered by political power.
  • It fosters a feeling of belonging. National identity is exacerbated to generate ties between citizens.
  • It fosters the difference between nations. Some external figure is used as an enemy of the nation to justify their nationalist ideas and actions. Excessive pride in belonging to a nation provokes feelings of superiority in individuals over individuals from other nations.

Causes of nationalism

Among the main causes that motivate individuals to adhere to nationalist ideologies or groups are:

  • External threat. It occurs when the population of a country feels threatened by another nation and seeks to defend its identity.
  • Need to belong. Man is a social and tribal being who seeks to belong to groups and identify with their members. Belonging to a nation gives identity and allows the full development of citizens.

Nationalism and patriotism

The terms nationalism and patriotism are often used as synonyms, because both refer to the idea of ​​the nation-state. However, they are very different concepts from each other, it is even said that nationalism is contrary to patriotism.

On the one hand, patriotism is understood as the feeling of belonging that an individual has towards his country of origin. It manifests itself in the social and cultural sphere and leads him to protect and defend the national identity.

On the other hand, nationalism uses that national identity to carry out a political or economic action that defends the interests of the nation. This ideology manifests ideas of superiority over other nations or cultures, which differentiates it from patriotism, which does not influence the relationship with other nations.

Nationalism and socialism

Nationalism and socialism they are ideologies that are connected, since both are based on the fight against an established order.

Both terms are related in the political current called: national socialism. This term alludes to an ideology or form of power that combines both currents and maintains that internal social problems and those of the proletariat can only be solved if national problems are solved.

National socialism ensures that nationalism is the tool capable of solving the social question for which socialism fights.

Examples of nationalism

  • Italian unification. During the second half of the 19th century the seven independent states of the Italian peninsula that shared history, religion and traditions came together to form the Kingdom of Italy.
  • Afrikaner nationalism. During the second half of the 19th century, the Afrikaners (an ethnic community of Dutch origin that lived in Africa) sought to impose their ideology and formed the Boer states, independent republics that settled in the current territory South African.
  • Basque nationalism. From the 19th century until today, part of the Basque people living in the north of Spain and France defend their nationality (language, traditions, cultural identity) and seek independence and the consolidation of their own State.
  • Irish nationalism. Emerged in the 19th century, it is a political movement that fights to free the Irish people from the rule of England by defending their culture and their Catholic religion.
  • Nazism. Emerged in the first half of the 20th century, it was a form of extreme nationalism that promoted and defended German culture and identity and sought to recover the territories that had been part of the Holy Roman Empire. It was characterized by venerating the image of a Leader and for their racist, anti-Semitic ideas and the use of violence as a way to control the masses.
  • Fascism. Arisen in Italy at the beginning of the 20th century under the command of Benito Mussolini, it exalted the values ​​of the homeland, the oppression of minorities, the use of violence and expansionist ideas.
  • Serbian nationalism. Emerged in the 20th century, it was an ethnic nationalism led by the Serbian people that sought to break away from Yugoslavia and form an autonomous state identified with Serbian culture.

Mexican nationalism

Nationalism in Mexico had different stages from the XIX century in which it was sought to highlight the national identity. On the one hand, it was used by an anti-Spanish current that achieved independence from Spain in September 1821.

After independence, nationalist movements sought the unity of races, culture and language to constitute a nation state and fight against separatist movements. The Virgin of Guadalupe was one of the main signs used in rebellions and revolutions that was erected as a symbol of Mexican unity.

The Spanish language, the mestizo culture, the Catholic religion or the vindication of the Aztec culture They are used as the flag of the nationalist identity that still prevails in Mexico.

Criticism of nationalism

Nationalist ideology has been the focus of much criticism since its emergence in the 19th century. Among the most prominent are:

  • It generates divisions between countries and cultures, which prevents the development of a society globalized, open and pluralistic world.
  • Considers their own race or culture superior to others, which generates rejection of the different and closed societies.
  • It was because of the two World wars that caused an unprecedented escalation of violence, as each country sought to show its power, stand out and differentiate itself from the others.
  • It uses violence as a control mechanism and a symbol of can.
  • It produces serious consequences due to the restrictions of the immigration which generates resentment among peoples and nations.
  • It uses contempt for other nations as a way to consolidate its power and national identity.
  • Use cultural and national identity as a shield for political and economic decisions.
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