Today, we start by discussing the origins of nationalism. Nationalism emerged strongly in the 19th century, influenced by the French Revolution, which shifted sovereignty from monarchs to the people.

Great question! The revolution promoted ideas like 'liberty' and 'equality,' emphasizing that it was the people who should define nations and guide their destinies.

Absolutely! Artists began depicting national identities. For example, Frédéric Sorrieu's prints showed a vision of nations unified under democratic principles.

Renan offered a definition of a nation as a collective identity formed through shared experiences and historical struggles, moving beyond race or territory.

Exactly! By combining cultural pride with political ambition, people started forming unified identities within nation-states.

In summary, nationalism’s emergence was sparked by revolutionary ideals, reshaping political landscapes and cultural identities across Europe.

Let’s talk about how nationalism shaped political landscapes in the 19th century. Notably, we see this in the unification of Germany and Italy.

For Germany, Otto von Bismarck used war and diplomacy, believing that the army could unify the states. Meanwhile, in Italy, Count Camillo di Cavour utilized political strategy and connections to achieve unification.

Both nations faced internal divisions and relied on strong leadership to unify. However, Bismarck's approach was more militaristic compared to Cavour's political maneuvering.

Unification fostered a strong national identity but also escalated tensions with neighboring states, particularly as nationalism began tying to imperial ambitions.

Spot on! It’s a double-edged sword that can mobilize a collective identity while also fostering jealousy and competition among nations.

To conclude this session, we see nationalism changing from a unifying principle in earlier revolutions to a source of conflict through imperialism.

In our final session, let's discuss the transformation of nationalism into an imperialist tool by the late 19th century.

Great observation! By this time, nationalism began to have a narrower focus, often characterized by intolerance and competition among nations, particularly in the Balkans.

The region was a mix of various ethnic groups under the declining Ottoman Empire. This sparked a desire for independence and territorial expansion among nations.

Correct! Nationalist tensions contributed to the events leading up to World War I, as great powers exploited these local rivalries for their imperial interests.

Exactly! It laid the groundwork for future conflicts, demonstrating how nationalism can shift from unity to a catalyst for global wars.

To summarize, by the late 19th century, nationalism's transformation into an imperialist tool illustrates its complex role in shaping world conflicts.