What do you understand by nationalism? How did the idea of nationalism evolve in Europe?

Nationalism is a political, social, and cultural ideology that emphasizes the shared identity, history, culture, and often language of a group of people, leading them to seek political sovereignty and self-determination within a defined territory. It is the belief in the idea that a nation, as a distinct community with common characteristics, deserves to govern itself and determine its own destiny.

Evolution of Nationalism in Europe:

1. Cultural and Romantic Roots (18th-19th centuries):
   Nationalism in Europe evolved during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The Romantic movement played a crucial role by emphasizing the unique cultural and linguistic characteristics of different regions. Romantic writers and intellectuals celebrated local traditions, folklore, and languages, fostering a sense of distinct national identity. This cultural awakening laid the groundwork for political nationalism.

2. Impact of the French Revolution (1789):
   The French Revolution and the spread of Enlightenment ideas contributed to the rise of nationalism. The revolutionary principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity resonated across Europe, inspiring nationalistic aspirations. The revolutionary and Napoleonic era spread the concept of nationalism as a force for political change.

3. Congress of Vienna (1814-1815):
   The Congress of Vienna, held after the Napoleonic Wars, aimed to restore monarchies and maintain the balance of power in Europe. However, it inadvertently fueled nationalist sentiments as borders were redrawn without considering ethnic or cultural affiliations. This led to the creation of multinational states, sparking tensions and nationalist movements seeking self-determination.

4. Growth of Nation-States (19th century):
   The mid-19th century witnessed the emergence of nation-states in Europe. Italy and Germany, previously fragmented into various principalities and city-states, successfully unified through nationalist movements. Giuseppe Garibaldi and Giuseppe Mazzini in Italy, and Otto von Bismarck in Germany, played key roles in these unification processes, emphasizing the right of self-determination.

5. Emergence of Eastern European Nationalism:
   Nationalist movements also emerged in Eastern Europe as ethnic and cultural groups sought independence from empires like the Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The 19th-century Balkan Wars and the eventual disintegration of empires further fueled nationalist aspirations, contributing to the formation of independent nation-states.

6. Impact of World Wars (20th century):
   The 20th century witnessed the impact of World Wars on the nationalist landscape. The aftermath of World War I led to the redrawing of borders and the creation of new nations. Post-World War II, the process continued with the decolonization of Africa and Asia, as newly independent nations embraced nationalist principles.

In summary, the idea of nationalism in Europe evolved from cultural and romantic roots to become a powerful force shaping the political landscape. Influenced by historical events, the spread of Enlightenment ideals, and the quest for self-determination, nationalism played a pivotal role in the creation of modern nation-states and the shaping of contemporary European geopolitics.