John J. Mearshimer argues that hyper nationalism is one of the main factors causing the pre-1945 wars. Hyper nationalism was caused in large part by security competition in European states, which compelled European elites to mobilize public to support national defense efforts, says Mearshimer in his article. We will examines the phenomenon of hyper nationalism in detail and how it really contributed to the wars.
During the period of 1871 to 1939, a great wave of nationalism swept over Europe. Each state taught its citizens about the greatness of their country while denouncing other states. States then used this nationalism as a shield to defend its wars against other nations and make those rival nations corrupt or always at the wrong side. Hyper nationalism was crafted to persuade public to keep faith in state actions and remain loyal to the government. Mearshimer describes the same thing in this article. To further elaborate this idea, we will consider the case study of Nazi Germany of how it used this idea of Nationalism to rise to power and eventually cause second world war.
German nationalism was one of the key point of Nazism. Adolf Hitler developed his strong German Nationalist ideas from the very young age. His views were summed up in his speech he gave before Munich court in 1924, it states, " State purpose is to promote a race of human beings who are physically as well as spiritually kindred. Above all, it must preserve the existent of race." Based on these extreme nationalist ideas that he build an empire and for protecting the German race of Poland, he invaded Poland which ignited WWII.
In recent past, Russian invasion of Ukraine was supported by the fact of saving Russian community of Ukraine. In modern era, people often confuses nationalism with other terms such as ethnicity. Nationalism is a phenomenon more suitably described by a person's loyalty to its nation.
During the period of 1871 to 1939, a great wave of nationalism swept over Europe. Each state taught its citizens about the greatness of their country while denouncing other states. States then used this nationalism as a shield to defend its wars against other nations and make those rival nations corrupt or always at the wrong side. Hyper nationalism was crafted to persuade public to keep faith in state actions and remain loyal to the government. Mearshimer describes the same thing in this article. To further elaborate this idea, we will consider the case study of Nazi Germany of how it used this idea of Nationalism to rise to power and eventually cause second world war.
German nationalism was one of the key point of Nazism. Adolf Hitler developed his strong German Nationalist ideas from the very young age. His views were summed up in his speech he gave before Munich court in 1924, it states, " State purpose is to promote a race of human beings who are physically as well as spiritually kindred. Above all, it must preserve the existent of race." Based on these extreme nationalist ideas that he build an empire and for protecting the German race of Poland, he invaded Poland which ignited WWII.
In recent past, Russian invasion of Ukraine was supported by the fact of saving Russian community of Ukraine. In modern era, people often confuses nationalism with other terms such as ethnicity. Nationalism is a phenomenon more suitably described by a person's loyalty to its nation.
Nationalism has been a key contributor to any conflicts around the world. It remains a potent force to this day, as you have noted with your analysis of Russian and Ukraine.
ReplyDeleteAlso, who is this royal "we" that you keep referring to in your piece? You should "I", not "we".
I don't intend to use 'we' as a royal plural. Its just for the purpose of taking my readers with the flow of my thoughts, means its meant for the readers.
DeleteAh okay, thanks for the clarification. Not trying to be tough on you or anything, it just sounded a bit odd and it is the first time (I think) I've seen you use "we" instead of "I".
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