Nationalism and Imperialism in 19th Century Europe

Name:

Institution:

Course:

Tutor:

Date:

Nationalism and Imperialism in 19th Century Europe

Introduction

The notions of nationalism and imperialism in the 19th century Europe share an intricate relationship. They are considered to be the driving forces behind a host of activities that took place in the region during this particular time. It can be posited that these were influenced greatly by the enlightenment as well as the industrial revolution. Notably, these phenomena introduced new ideas and ways of thinking to the historical populations. At this point, it is worth acknowledging that imperialism concerns itself with the need to expand and conquer different lands with a fundamental aim of increasing a country’s territory.

It is entirely stimulated by feelings of superiority and the need to have more influence over a significant percentage of populations. Nationalism on the other hand is influenced by feelings of unification and it entails pooling efforts together in order to defend whatever a given population considers their own. It is aimed at enhancing feelings of superiority and wanting one’s country to be the best. It is in this regard that this paper provides an explicit analysis of the relationship between imperialism and nationalism in the 19th century Europe. In addition, it ascertains how technology, religion and culture contributed to the growth of nations and empires.

Nationalism in the 19th century was greatly influenced by imperialism. As superior powers such as Britain extended their territories, the local communities saw the need to unite and fight for a common cause of delivering themselves from the imperial powers. Imperialism is attributable to various factors. As indicated earlier, the enlightenment period empowered individuals to make vital and viable economic decisions that were geared towards enhancing their holistic welfare.

This was further influenced by industrial revolution that had introduced various technological advancements. This enhanced overall economic production and improved the quality of life of individuals. This situation contributed to an increase in population growth. In order to cater for the entire needs of these populations imperial powers found it necessary to expand their territories. These areas were not only used for production purposes, but they also provided a ready market for the manufactured products from the imperial powers.

In order to enhance governance, imperial powers such as Britain introduced certain forms of legislation that were derived from its own legislative laws and regulations. In addition, they made these more stringent in order to curb incidences of retaliation. This is an aspect that they expected because they understood the implications of infringing on the rights of other populations. Imperialism had diverse impacts on various populations. The French peasants for instance considered it an ideal ideology because of the fact that it introduced civilization to the populations. The manufactured products from imperial countries were also considered beneficial because they improved the quality of life of the local populations.

Other factors such as education and the subsequent enlightenment of the societies were considered desirable. This is because they improved the way of thinking of the natives and enabled them to perceive life from a modern perspective. Of great importance was the introduction of technology in the territories. This enhanced production and introduced new forms of economic production that were more rewarding.

Despite this, some segments of the population speculated that the imperial powers had infringed on their fundamental rights. Headrick indicates that this was realized in later years when the populations had been enlightened. They understood that imperial powers denied them fundamental rights to pursue their activities with utmost independence. However, they also acknowledged the fact that the imperialists were more powerful and could possibly overpower their efforts. This prompted the need for nationalism for them to be able to fight the imperial powers accordingly. Thus they joined their efforts and fought the same.

In the long run, they overpowered them and secured their independence once again. With this same spirit, they created their nations and conquered other states too. At this juncture, it can be argued that as much as imperialism contributes to nationalism, nationalism also contributes to imperialism. This is well exemplified through the influence of the western powers such as the United States to the southern countries. After being colonized by superior powers like Britain, they took efforts to conquer other territories in the south.

Likewise, making of a nation is directly related to colonization. In this respect, Weber argues that most nations were created through colonization. This was made possible through nationalism as populations fought for a common good. Besides sharing a common geographic area, these also shared significant and important cultural norms, values, virtues, beliefs and practice that contributed significantly to their unification. Notably, these were some of the fundamental factors that were put in to consideration during the formation of the nations. As such, it is certain that making of a nation depends on a great extent to colonization and the relative struggle.

Technological inventions, religion and culture contributed significantly to the creation of nations as well as empires. To begin with, technology contributed to the formation of these entities in different ways. It enhanced the invention and development of different types of weapons that were employed in wars. The ability to conquer different regions gave a certain entity power over the conquered region. Weber ascertains that empires such as the ancient Roman Empire was created, established and expanded through the employment of weaponry.

After creation, such nations and empires could only be maintained and developed through protection that could effectively be achieved using weapons. Further, technology was also impetrative in enhancing economic independence of these entities. Increased economic production empowered certain populations to have influence over others that depended on these for economic sustenance. It also encouraged trade between different entities and gave certain influential region a chance to learn the ways of their trade partners and conquer them accordingly.

Likewise, religion played a vital role in enhancing the creation and establishment of nations and empires. Essentially, religion is an important source of values and virtues that guide individual and group behavior. This is imperative because it accredits the behaviors and decisions that a given society assumes. In this respect, Weber indicates that religion played a leading role in encouraging imperialism and subsequent creation of nations. At this point, it is worth noting that religion often preceded imperialism. Most Christian teachings approved the practice and made imperialism morally acceptable. This encouraged the imperial powers to pursue their activities that later culminated in formation of nations. Furthermore, religious teachings and values advocate for unity. This is an important factor for that encourages the spirit of nationalism and ultimate creation of nations.

Finally, culture was played a critical role in formation o f nations as it unified the population accordingly. As indicated earlier, the drawing of national boundaries was depended on the culture of the populations. Those with similar cultural practices were grouped in the same geographic region. Culture was a unifying factor and it greatly influenced the struggle against imperialism. Likewise, formation of empires also laid great emphasis on t he cultural aspects of a populations. Usually, populations from a given culture were guided by similar principles, values and virtues that made governance easier.

Conclusion

Imperialism and nationalism are intricate factors that are guided by similar intention s and ideals. As it has come out from the study, imperialism contributed to nationalism and vice versa. Nationalism was an important factor that made populations to overcome imperial powers accordingly. The making of nations on the other hand is highly depended on colonialism. It is this that enables populations to attain their independence and be considered free entities and nations. Finally, religion, culture and technological inventions played critical roles in formation of nations and empires. Not only does this empower populations to protect themselves and conquer others, but they also seek to accredit the activities that such populations engage in. Furthermore, culture acts as a unifying factor that makes it possible for populations to further similar goals. This is vitally important for maintenance of social cohesion that encourages unity and peaceful co existence.

Bibliography

Eugen, Weber. Peasants into Frenchmen. Stanford: University Press, 1976.

Daniel, Headrick. The Tools of Empire. Oxford: University Press, 1981.