Nationalism has demonstrated a considerable amount of force in recent history, as people with racial, territorial, historical or language commonalities develop and express feelings of loyalty. As a concept, it can be argued that it is a product of changing perceptions of national identity, as people, rather than the monarch or leader, become the representatives of their country/region. As such, nationalism often drives countries towards independence.
Fostering feelings of nationalism can be a positive force for a country's leader, especially when coupled with patriotism, with the growth of nationalism boosting military involvement and encouraging citizens to support military action in 'protection' of their country.
Propaganda is an essential aspect of fostering nationalistic sentiment. National iconography was easily recognised in the cartoons produced at this time.
Fostering feelings of nationalism can be a positive force for a country's leader, especially when coupled with patriotism, with the growth of nationalism boosting military involvement and encouraging citizens to support military action in 'protection' of their country.
Propaganda is an essential aspect of fostering nationalistic sentiment. National iconography was easily recognised in the cartoons produced at this time.
Iconography
In the latter half of the 19th century this nationalistic sentiment turned aggressive, and caused mass hysteria. This is jingoism.
" The only nations that have advanced to greatness have been those who do not flinch from war."
- Kaiser Wilhelm II
"I am a Nationalist and not a cosmopolitan. A Nationalist believes that competition between nations is the Divine Order of the World, a Law of Life and Progress ... If I am also an imperialist, it is because the destiny of the English race has been to strike fresh roots in distant parts of the world. My patriotism knows no geographical but only racial limits."
- Lord Miler, Briot
Nationalistic anthems
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Look at the lyrics of the national anthems above. Left to right: 'La Marseillaise' (France), 'Rule Britannia' (Britain) and 'Deutschland Uber Alles' (Germany). They each express nationalistic sentiment.