FREE ESSAY ON NATIONALISM

NATIONALISM

During the 100-year period of 1814 to 1914 every social group throughout Europe embraced
the ideology of nationalism. Its success was largely due to the fact that it offered
something for everyone regardless of social or political status. It had no specific ideas
for government or economy, just simply whatever is best for the nation. Nationalism also
combined well with all other ideologies of the time. However, the different classes of
European society accepted nationalism for different reasons and at different times. 
In the years 1814 through 1848 nationalism ascended onto European society through the
middle class. Shortly after the French Revolution in 1814 the Congress of Vienna was
placed in charge of reconstructing Europe. In France the monarchy was restored. By 1830,
Louis Philippe was king of France and had transformed their political system into a
government by which only the rich could vote known as the Bourgeois Monarchy. Increasing
social and economic discontent in France led the middle class to revolt in 1848. This
revolution set up the Second Republic and gave all men in France the right to vote,
creating a unifying thread throughout the country. In Germany, the German Confederation
was created which left 39 individual, segregated German states. Due to the fact of taxes
and tariffs many middle class business owners supported the idea of a single unified
nation-state. However, conservatives at that time did all they could to stop the ideas of
liberalism and nationalism. But, by 1830 the middle class had grown large enough to force
a revolution. The middle class soon after created a National Parliament and in 1848 the
Frankfurt Assembly gathered delegates from all of the German states to create boundaries
for a new unified nation-state. Unfortunately, before they were able to apply their plan
German kings charged in with their large armies and stopped the revolution. Although it
was stopped the revolution in Germany along with the revolution in France helped to
create firm foundation for the spread of nationalism.
During the time period of 1848 to 1871 the aristocracy and the upper class embraced
nationalism. Prior to 1848 conservatives felt like the idea of nationalism was a threat
to their power. After 1848 however, conservatives learned to adopted nationalism into
their own ideology. They saw, through revolts, the dangers of simply disregarding
nationalism and found it more beneficial to simply compromise and blend the two together.
Otto Von Bismark modernized nationalism by combining it with conservatism and his own
brand of hardheaded government he called Realpolitik. Inspired by patriotism for his
country and loyalty to his king Bismark sought to unite all of the German nation-states.
In 1866, as a means to unite the northern German states, Germany fought against Austria
in the Austro-Prussian War. Four years later in 1870, Bismark engineered the
Franco-Prussian War in order to incorporate the southern German states into the new
unified Germany. Bismark knew the unifying power of having a common enemy. Other
countries such as France, Austria, and Russia used the "us versus them" side of
nationalism to spur national sentiment and unification among their countries also. 
Between the years of 1871 and 1914 the workers and the lower classes seemed to benefit
the most from nationalism. It was during this time the second Industrial Revolution
occurred. The development of new industry, transportation, communication, power, and
energy made everyday life much simpler for the common man. Also, at the beginning of the
20th century national labor unions were legalized. Many other social reforms were made
during this time also. In 1884 Germany activated accident insurance plans for workers in
factories. In 1889, pension plans, like modern-day social security, were established in
Germany. Universal manhood suffrage also became legal for all of Europe between 1871 and
1914. Mass society and culture was extremely important in the spreading of nationalism
among the lower classes. Mass society and culture helped to create a feeling of
togetherness and unity. Through tools like the cinema, dance halls, and sporting events
people could be brought together in large groups, which offered a sense of community and
family. Also, the idea of Social Darwinism aided in the spread of nationalism. The belief
that one's own nation is superior or at least the strongest helped to create a feeling of
patriotism and pride among the lower classes.
I believe that the spread of nationalism throughout European society was a positive
development. Nationalism helped to unite people with a common history and culture. It
instilled pride and confidence among nations and gave people a sense of being. Unlike the
other ideologies of the time, nationalism proposed self-sacrifice for the good of others.
However, I believe that at the beginning of the 20th century the idea of Social Darwinism
corrupted it and allowed nationalism to be twisted by those who would exploit it. But,
overall I feel that it had a positive effect on European society. It offered something to
believe in when there wasn't much to believe in. I truly believe that the basic idea of
nationalism is something that our country needs today.
"Ask not what your country can do for you,
Ask what you can do for your country."--- John F. Kennedy