The Origins of Nationalism

Paper Summary:

This paper takes a look at the nationalist movement, a movement that has its roots in isolation. This paper discusses how both the city of Northeim and the agrarian Russian culture were breeding grounds for suspicion for those who were different from the close-knit families that populated the areas. It further discusses how Marx's writings did provide the legitimacy necessary for the socialist movement to take place. These factors, combined with the charisma of leaders like Hitler and Stalin, formed the impetus necessary for the rise of socialism as a national force.

From the Paper:

"Most countries have undergone periods of nationalism at some time in history. For many, if not most, this nationalism is a positive event, allowing them to grow the wealth of their populace and to improve national services. However, a period of nationalism can also be a negative event. Nations' leaders--and, to a certain extent, their people--can become blind, greedy, and ambitious. What is the motivating factor in these extreme cases? Is it pride? Fear? Desperation? Or are all these things motivating factors? Looking at the origins of nationalism in Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia may provide some clues. Nationalism in Nazi Germany The rise of nationalism in Germany was gradual. Allen (1984) uses the town of Northeim to explain this process. The city was one of 1000 with similar characteristics."

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