Post 4: Unit 4 NATIONALISM: From Concert to Competition

Nationalism is by definition 'a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups'. This idea of nationalism first appeared around the late 18th century in Europe. The impact of this idea was manipulation and war. Manipulation and war don't particularly sound like they could positively impact a nation; however, they can. An example of a positively impacted nation due to nationalism is germany. Under Bismark the many German states were united through nationalistic emotions, war and manipulation.

Coinsidently, the story of the unification of Germany was mine, Elanie's, Payton's, and Samuel's groups' puppet show. In the show we explained Bismark's Realpolitik. Realpolitik is a type of political strategizing that considers power more important that principal. Bismark used this idea of realistic politics based on the needs of the state to united Germany within a decade, around 1872. I believe these points of Bismark's Realpolitik were well expressed in mine, Elanie's, Payton's and Samuel's groups' puppet performance. However, if there could have been room for improvement, it would be the puppet making. To our groups disdain, nobody brought materials. So, upon the class work day our group had to scavenge for supplies.

As it is, nationalism happened similarly and very differently in another corner of the world. This corner was Italy. In 1870, relatively the same time as Germany, Italy became a unified state after a passionate war and surrender lead by Garibaldi and 1,000 red-shirted volunteers. This passionate leader, Garibaldi, was the embodiment of 19th century romantic nationalism, the opposite of Bismark's 'realistic politics'. Also in contrast, Bismark did not believe in nationalism; he only used it to manipulate the German states. Futhermore, Bismark was interested in governing unified Germany; whereas, Garibaldi was focused on Italy as a sigular country no mater the form.

In comparison, Bismark and Garibaldi were also similar in there impacts on Italy and Germany. They both broke industrial barriers existing between states. This as a result increased economic growth, leading Italy and Germany to modern standards.

Nationalism is a powerful idealogy that can be used to motivate and unite many to action. However, this idealogy can also work in inverse by segregating one group from another. If nationalism could be used on a global scale trade barriers and war would end. There would peace for all. However, Humanity would have to recognize that we are all human, and that in its self is our fault.