Nationalism Definition: Meaning, Forms and History

Nationalism definition: feeling plus aim

The nationalism meaning has two layers, and to define nationalism well you need both.

1. A feeling: strong attachment to your nation, its language, history, symbols and people.
2. A political aim: the belief that a nation should rule itself, protect its borders and put its own interests ahead of outside powers or groups.

A nation here means a group of people who see themselves as sharing an identity, through language, culture, history, territory or shared values. A state is the government and its territory. Nationalism often argues that the two should match, which is why it is tied to ideas like sovereignty and self-determination.

Main forms of nationalism

Ask ten scholars what is the definition of nationalism and you may hear ten answers, so they sort it into types. These are the ones you meet most often.

Real movements often mix several of these, and the lines between them are debated.

A short history

Many historians link modern nationalism to the late 18th century, when revolutions in America and France spread the idea that power comes from the people of a nation rather than from a monarch. In English, nationalist appears in the early 18th century, and nationalism in its modern sense is recorded by the 1840s.

The 19th century saw nationalist movements help unify Italy and Germany, both completed by 1871. In the 20th century, nationalism drove many independence movements in Asia and Africa, including India's freedom struggle that ended British rule in 1947. The same century also saw extreme nationalist ideas feed wars and persecution, which is why the word carries mixed feelings today. See also imperialism and fascism for related history.

Nationalism vs patriotism

Where patriotism stops and nationalism starts is a long running argument.

• Patriotism usually means love of your country and willingness to serve it. It is generally seen as positive.
• Nationalism often adds a political program: independence, protecting the nation's identity, or putting it first in dealings with others.

Some writers say patriotism is love of your own country, while nationalism can include a sense that your nation is better than others. Others reject that split and say both words describe the same loyalty seen from different angles. Both views are common.

Why people disagree about nationalism

Supporters see nationalism as a source of unity, shared purpose and democratic self-rule. They point out that many countries won freedom from empires through nationalist movements, and that a shared identity can help citizens trust each other and share costs like taxes and defense.

Critics warn that nationalism can turn into exclusion of minorities, hostility toward neighbors or immigrants, and conflict between states. They often favor international cooperation and loyalty to wider humanity. Many people take a middle view, accepting civic loyalty while rejecting ethnic exclusion. The word is not automatically good or bad; its meaning depends heavily on the context and the speaker.

Nationalism in example sentences

• The history teacher asked us to compare nationalism in 19th century Europe with independence movements in Asia.
• Rising food prices led to a wave of economic nationalism and calls to buy local.
• The poet's songs became symbols of cultural nationalism for a small mountain nation.
• Some analysts worry that sporting rivalries can stir up nationalism between neighbors.
• She wrote her thesis on how school textbooks shape nationalism in young readers.

Nearby terms are explained under law, politics and society, covering ideas such as statehood and citizenship.