Nationalism in modern history, movement in winch the nation-state is regarded as paramount for the realization of social, economic, and cultural aspirations of a people. Nationalism is characterized principally by a feeling of community among a people, based on common descent, language, and religion.
Before the i8th century, when nationalism emerged as distinctive movement, states usually were based on religious or dynastic ties; citizens owed loyalty to their church or ruling family. Concerned with clan, tribe, village, or province, people rarely extended their interests nationwide. Nationalism is not to be confused with patriotism.
Both words are normally used in so vague a way that any definition is liable to be challenged, but one must draw adistinction between them, since two different and eve opposing ideas are involved. Patriotism I mean devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one believes to be the best in the
more...