Nationalsim

             Nationalism is a powerful force that can unite or separate. In France's case, it united the citizens in a struggle to bring the power of choice to the people. The first developments of this nationalism were seen during the French Revolution. Throughout the Enlightenment Age, the French did not only experience this feeling, but also gave birth to the concept of "mass popular nationalism," the term "levee en masse," the transfer of sovereignty to the people, and also used many types of propaganda to inspire nationalism.
             When this strong feeling towards a nation was first mentioned during the late 18th century, there seemed to be a dispute over the idea until the term gained political implications when groups got classified as nationalists. Nationalism by definition is the highest terminal loyalty of one individual, that for which he/she is willing to kill or die for. It is a belief that people of a state, territory or a political entity share. Some countries have a common past and will share a common fate when they share the same idea like love of the fatherland. Whatever happens to individuals even strangers, as long as they share the same idea, it is important to everyone. Such is the strong feeling of loyalty that the French experienced from the Enlightenment Age to its transformation into a republic.
             As a new concept, nationalism proved to be a very beneficial weapon for France during the war against Spain, Austria, Prussia, and England which is where the term "Levee en Masse" was developed. When Louis XVI was decapitated, war broke out between those countries because of the king's execution and Marie Antoinette's relationship to the king of Austria. When he was executed, England issued the "Declaration of Pillnitz", which declared war on France for the purpose of ending the Revolution. There was time where all male citizens were forced to participate in war, also known as...

More Essays:

APA     MLA     Chicago
Nationalsim. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 07:34, April 19, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/22927.html