Ethnic nationalism

Definition

Ethnic nationalism is a form of nationalism where a particular ethnic group claims the right to self-determination and sovereignty based on shared cultural, linguistic, and historical characteristics. This type of nationalism often emphasizes the importance of a common ethnicity as a basis for nationhood, which can lead to movements for independence or greater autonomy for specific ethnic groups within larger states.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethnic nationalism gained prominence in Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as various ethnic groups sought to assert their identities and claim independence from larger empires.
2. The rise of ethnic nationalism was often fueled by the decline of multi-ethnic empires like the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires, leading to demands for autonomy or complete independence.
3. Ethnic nationalists typically emphasize symbols, myths, and historical narratives that reinforce a sense of belonging and unity among members of their ethnic group.
4. Ethnic nationalism can lead to conflicts when different groups within a state compete for power or resources, potentially resulting in violence or civil strife.
5. Examples of ethnic nationalism include the movements for independence by various Slavic groups in Eastern Europe and the aspirations of the Irish for self-governance within the United Kingdom.

Review Questions

• How did ethnic nationalism contribute to the political landscape of Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
  • Ethnic nationalism significantly reshaped the political landscape in Europe by fostering movements aimed at achieving self-determination for various ethnic groups. As empires like Austro-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire began to weaken, numerous ethnic groups sought independence based on shared cultural identities. This led to the rise of nation-states formed around these ethnic identities, fundamentally changing the map of Europe and prompting debates over national borders and governance.
• In what ways did ethnic nationalism conflict with other forms of nationalism, such as civic nationalism, in early 20th century Europe?
  • Ethnic nationalism often clashed with civic nationalism, which promotes unity based on shared values and citizenship rather than ethnicity. While ethnic nationalists prioritized cultural identity and heritage, civic nationalists aimed to create inclusive nations where individuals from diverse backgrounds could coexist. This tension became apparent during events such as World War I, when competing nationalist ideologies fueled conflicts over territory and governance in multi-ethnic regions.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of ethnic nationalism in Europe after World War I, especially regarding state formation and ethnic conflicts in the 20th century.
  • The aftermath of World War I saw significant redrawing of borders influenced by principles of ethnic nationalism, leading to the creation of new nation-states based on dominant ethnic groups. This reconfiguration often ignored minority populations, sowing seeds for future conflicts as these groups struggled for recognition and rights within newly established states. The legacy of these tensions can be seen throughout the 20th century, resulting in numerous ethnic conflicts, genocides, and the eventual breakdown of multi-ethnic states in the Balkans during the 1990s.

Related terms

Civic nationalism: A form of nationalism that is based on shared values, political beliefs, and citizenship rather than ethnicity or culture.

Self-determination: The principle that nations have the right to choose their own political status and govern themselves without external interference.

Pan-nationalism: A political ideology that advocates for the unification of a specific ethnic group across multiple national boundaries.