1.3.1. The Romantic Imagination and National Feeling

The development of nationalism did not come about only through wars and territorial expansion. Culture played an important role in creating the idea of the nation: art and poetry, stories and music helped express and shape nationalist feelings.

Culture significantly contributes to nationalism by expressing shared identities and feelings. Rather than being established solely through political actions or conflicts, the idea of a nation is deeply rooted in its cultural expressions, which can stir emotions and unite people.

Imagine a sports team. The songs, chants, and even the rituals during games create a collective identity among fans. This is akin to how art, music, and literature can unify people under a common national identity.

Let us look at Romanticism, a cultural movement which sought to develop a particular form of nationalist sentiment. Romantic artists and poets generally criticised the glorification of reason and science and focused instead on emotions, intuition and mystical feelings.

Romanticism emphasized personal feelings and emotional depth over rationality and scientific thought. Artists and poets of this movement sought to connect people to their national identity through emotionally charged artworks that emphasized intuitive, mystical, and emotional experiences.

Consider how a heartfelt song can evoke a strong emotional response and evoke memories of home or belonging. Just like these songs resonate with individuals emotionally, Romantic art aimed to invoke feelings of national pride and identity.

Their effort was to create a sense of a shared collective heritage, a common cultural past, as the basis of a nation.

By emphasizing shared history and culture, Romantic artists aimed to foster a collective identity among people. This collective heritage served as a foundation for building national unity and pride, bringing individuals with diverse backgrounds together under the shared identity of a nation.

Think of family traditions that unite relatives of all ages. These traditions create a sense of belonging and identity among family members, similar to how collective heritage builds national identity among citizens.

Other Romantics such as the German philosopher Johann Gottfried Herder claimed that true German culture was to be discovered among the common people – das volk. It was through folk songs, folk poetry and folk dances that the true spirit of the nation (volksgeist) was popularised.

Herder believed that genuine cultural expression comes from the common people, or 'das volk'. By collecting and celebrating folk traditions, such as songs and dances, he argued that these forms of culture encapsulate the true spirit of the nation, fostering a deeper connection to national identity.

For instance, local festivals showcasing traditional dances and songs can bring a community together, allowing individuals to connect with their roots and shared culture. In much the same way, Herder's emphasis on folk culture aimed to evoke a sense of belonging and national pride.

The emphasis on vernacular language and the collection of local folklore was not just to recover an ancient national spirit, but also to carry the modern nationalist message to large audiences who were mostly illiterate.

Using local languages and folklore helped to make nationalist ideas accessible to a wider audience, especially the illiterate masses. By speaking in a language familiar to the people, the Romantic movement could instill a sense of national pride and identity even among those who had limited exposure to formal education.

Consider the impact of a local newspaper that publishes stories in the native dialect of its readers. Such efforts can significantly enhance community engagement and a sense of identity, similar to how Romanticism utilized folk language and stories to unite people under a national identity.

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