What is Nationalism?
Things that bring people together
Culture: People share similar food, clothes, family values, customs, etc.
History: People share a similar past that connects them as a group.
Religion: People share similar religious beliefs and places of worship
Language: People share a common language and dialect
Geography: People share a similar land and adaptive lifestyle
Nationalism can be defined as a deep sense of patriotism. Nationalists hold their country in high regard and place its interests above those of other nations.
Nationalism was very common in early 20th-century Europe and is considered a significant cause of World War I. Before the war, most Europeans believed in having some sort of cultural, economic, and military supremacy and dominance over other nations.
Pre-war (WW1) nationalism was fuelled by imperialism, both political and economic. and propaganda played a major role in bolstering (raising) nationalist feelings. Countries often used speeches, newspapers, and stories to boast of their own accomplishments to their citizens and exaggerate negative stories or rumors about their rivals.
British nationalism was characterized by a century of relative peace and prosperity. The British Empire had rapidly expanded its territories in Africa and Asia mainly because of its naval strength. Britain was also known for colonial wars.
Nationalism was also significantly present in pop culture as it influenced literature, theatre, and music. Leaders in power (royal families, politicians, and diplomats) made no attempt to stop this trend and some even actively contributed to it.
Nationalism also gave citizens overconfidence in their nation, governments, and military strength. It gave them a false sense of fairness and righteousness. It demonized rival nations, portraying them as aggressive, shrewd, deceitful, barbaric, and uncivilized.
Citizens considered rival nations as threats who were plotting and scheming against them. This was mainly done by emphasizing the negatives brought about by imperialism. Nationalists were convinced that if a war between rivals ever broke out, they would be victorious. Imperialism, militarism, and nationalism contributed to the continental delusion that a European war seemed winnable.
Across the world, Industrialism and Imperialism inspired millions of people to have pride in who they were and what their nation could accomplish. As this pride grew, several countries began to talk of unifying. Instead of existing as individual states, they dreamed of becoming a larger nation that would be a powerhouse and show off their might.
https://schoolhistory.co.uk/notes/nationalism-as-a-cause-of-world-war-i/
