How Does Nationalism Shape Identity and Society?
The word ‘Nationalism’ itches a question in everyone’s mind - what is it and the significance of nationalism in a country. To define nationalism, it is simply nothing but patriotism towards the country. Every citizen must have some kind of sentiment towards their country and nationalism defines that. It is really significant in the field of international politics. Nationalism is a magical term that binds the people of a country altogether.
Below are the samples of short and long essays on Nationalism provided keeping the students’ convenience in mind. Take a look for a better understanding.
Long Nationalism and Patriotism Essay
Nationalism is synonymous with the word ‘Patriotism’. It is believed to be an ideology that depicts an individual’s love and respect towards the nation. It is nothing but the common man’s feeling towards their country.
The concept of nationalism originated during the pre-independent era in India. As the Britishers stepped into this country as traders and slowly turned into rulers, it became inevitable to get them out of the country. As a consequence, all the Indians bonded together, became stronger and a lot of major events and movements followed in order
Movements like Satyagrah, the Salt March, the non-co-operation movement, Quit India movement broke out and that’s how the concept of nationalism was evoked amongst the Indians irrespective of gender, race, or religion. In that era, many social groups were formed and they had a strong impact on the people of India. Followingly, some major events like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Khilafat movement took place.
Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 in order to provide a civil platform for the common Indians. The struggle against Britishers helped the Indians to develop a feeling of responsibility and devotion towards their motherland. This collective power of devotion helped the Indians to understand the power of nationalism.
Below are a few factors that are responsible for the rise of nationalism in India. Take a look -
The British came to India for trading purposes as a part of the East India company. But eventually became rulers of the country and violence started erupting everywhere which spoils the communal harmony among all the nationalists.
However, India has been developed as a unified nation under the government of the Britishers. This had a strong influence on the economic development of the country and thus led to a strong sense of nationalism among every Indian.
There was a lot of influence left by the Britishers such as the English language has become one of the popular international languages used by the Indians. All the knowledgeable people of the country started communicating in English and this has become the interactive medium between all the linguistic groups.
While Indians are under the rule of Britishers, a bunch of good and bad things happened. Among the good deeds, one is the development of transportation in the country and as a result, the Britishers developed a well-led railway system across the country. It helps all the Indians to get connected well and bond together.
Along with the independence movement, various social movements also took place at that time period in India which helped to reform many superstitious practices and social evils in order to develop the basic social structure of the country.
Short Essay on Nationalism
Nationalism is nothing but an ideology that happens due to several factors. Among those factors, a few are - history, territory, mother tongue, culture, heritage, tradition, mentality etc. with the help of these factors, a sense of belonging develops among the people. It somehow also helps to nurture the love and devotion of an individual towards the entire nation.
The concept of nationalism was there for a long time. But in India, the concept took birth during the time of the independence movement. That was the phase when all the Indians came forward irrespective of caste, religion, language, or region etc. and fought against the British monarchy. That’s how the collective devotion of all the staunch Indian nationalists became prominent and bonding became stronger.
Nationalism is the common factor among all the citizens that would bind them together and give them the unity and strength which is required. Nationalism is the hardcore reason behind national integration. People of an individual nation get strength through this magical term. It puts all the countrymen together and keeps all the hatred and crimes at the bay.
Conclusion
In India, the term ‘nationalism’ has been misused quite frequently by the politicians, media, and common man. However, there were a lot of factors that worked in favour of nationalism in India. From World War I to the Jallianwala bagh massacre, these major incidents in Indian history accelerated the entire nation and motivated the Indian citizens against the British rulers. This is how nationalism became the main factor for the Independence movement in pre-independent India.
FAQs on Essay on Nationalism: Definition, Importance & Examples
1. What is the basic definition of nationalism to use in an essay?
Nationalism is an ideology and sentiment that emphasises loyalty, devotion, and allegiance to a nation or nation-state. It holds that a group of people, bound by shared characteristics like culture, language, religion, or history, should have the right to self-governance and form an independent state. In an essay, you can define it as the collective feeling that binds people together and promotes their nation's interests above all others.
2. What are the key characteristics of nationalism?
The main characteristics of nationalism, useful for explaining the concept in an essay, include:
- Shared Identity: A belief in a common heritage, culture, and language that unifies a population.
- Political Sovereignty: The desire for national independence and self-governance, free from foreign rule.
- Loyalty and Devotion: A deep sense of pride and commitment to one's nation, often placed above other loyalties.
- Distinct Territory: A connection to a specific geographical area or homeland that the nation claims as its own.
3. Why is nationalism considered an important force in modern history?
Nationalism is a crucial force because it has been the primary driver behind the formation of modern nation-states. It was instrumental in movements like the unification of Germany and Italy, the breakup of empires like the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires, and the decolonisation movements across Asia and Africa, including India's struggle for independence. It fosters unity and progress but can also be a cause of conflict and war.
4. What is the main difference between nationalism and patriotism?
While often used interchangeably, there is a key difference. Patriotism is the love and affection for one's country and a willingness to defend it. Nationalism, on the other hand, is a stronger ideology that often includes a sense of superiority over other nations. While a patriot loves their country and its values, a nationalist may believe their country is inherently better than others, which can sometimes lead to aggressive or exclusionary policies.
5. What are some clear examples of nationalism from Indian history?
In the context of an essay, strong examples of Indian nationalism include:
- The Swadeshi movement (1905), which promoted the use of Indian goods and the boycott of foreign products as a form of economic nationalism.
- The efforts of leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who used cultural and religious symbols to foster a sense of national unity and resistance against British rule.
- The collective participation in the Non-Cooperation (1920) and Civil Disobedience (1930) movements led by Mahatma Gandhi, which united diverse groups of Indians under a common goal of independence.
6. How can nationalism have both positive and negative effects?
This is a crucial point for a balanced essay. Positively, nationalism can unite people, lead to the overthrow of oppressive regimes, and foster collective progress and development. However, negatively, extreme or aggressive nationalism (often called chauvinism or jingoism) can lead to intolerance, discrimination against minorities, conflicts with other nations, and even world wars, as seen in the 20th century.
7. What are the main types of nationalism to mention in an essay?
For a comprehensive essay, you can discuss two primary types:
- Civic Nationalism: This form defines the nation by shared political values, citizenship, and laws. It is inclusive and believes anyone can be part of the nation if they subscribe to its political creed (e.g., France, USA).
- Ethnic Nationalism: This form defines the nation based on shared ethnicity, language, or ancestry. It is often more exclusive, as membership is based on heritage rather than political belief (e.g., historical Germany, Japan).
8. Who is widely regarded as the 'Father of Indian Nationalism' and why?
While many contributed, Bal Gangadhar Tilak is often referred to as the 'Father of Indian Nationalism'. This is because he was one of the first leaders to advocate for 'Swaraj' (self-rule) as a birthright and effectively used cultural festivals (like Ganesh Chaturthi) and newspapers (like Kesari) to mobilise the masses and instil a strong sense of national pride and resistance against colonial rule.
9. How can I structure an essay on the topic of Nationalism?
A good structure for an essay on nationalism would be:
- Introduction: Start with a clear definition of nationalism and state the main points you will cover.
- Body Paragraph 1: Explain the key characteristics and historical origins of nationalism.
- Body Paragraph 2: Discuss its importance with examples (e.g., India's freedom struggle).
- Body Paragraph 3: Analyse the positive and negative aspects, showing a balanced view.
- Conclusion: Summarise your points and offer a concluding thought on the relevance of nationalism today.
10. Does nationalism require a single common language or religion to exist?
Not necessarily. While a common language or religion can be a powerful unifying factor (an element of ethnic nationalism), it is not essential. A country like India is a prime example of civic nationalism, where a sense of national identity exists despite hundreds of languages and diverse religions. Here, nationalism is built on shared political ideals enshrined in the Constitution, a common history of struggle, and a commitment to a pluralistic society.
