Modern nationalism began as a religious mission before evolving into a political force
In short: Modern nationalism did not start with borders or flags, but with the 17th-century English Puritan revolution. It was a fusion of optimistic humanism and religious fervor, framing the English as a chosen people. This vision of liberty eventually transformed into the secular, democratic movements that reshaped the entire European continent.
The roots of modern nationalism are found in 17th-century England, where the Puritan revolution merged Calvinist ethics with a sense of historical mission. Writers like John Milton envisioned Britain as a beacon of liberty, destined to spread civilization globally. This early form of nationalism was deeply religious, identifying the English people with ancient Israel. By the 18th century, however, these ideas shifted toward secularism, emphasizing individual rights and humanitarian values, heavily influenced by the political philosophy of John Locke.
The French Revolution acted as a catalyst, transforming these intellectual concepts into a potent political reality. By promoting popular sovereignty and the 'general will,' thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau helped define the nation as a community of citizens. This era introduced the 'nation in arms,' where citizen armies motivated by national fervor outperformed professional troops. The slogan 'Liberty, equality, fraternity' became a universal creed, replacing old religious rituals with new patriotic ceremonies, flags, and national holidays.
As these ideas spread through Europe, they encountered resistance. After the Napoleonic Wars, the 1815 Congress of Vienna attempted to restore traditional dynastic authority, ignoring the rising demand for self-determination. This sparked underground agitation and eventually the 1848 'spring of the peoples,' a wave of revolutions across the continent. While early nationalism was often liberal and democratic, as championed by figures like Giuseppe Mazzini, it later took a conservative turn. Leaders like Otto von Bismarck unified Germany through authoritarian means, prioritizing state power over the free will of the people, a shift that fundamentally altered the trajectory of European history.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Nationalism - European Identity, Unity, Patriotism | Britannica
- Also: Rise of nationalism in Europe
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