Why Do People Fight for Nationhood?
Definition
Nationhood
Nationhood refers to the status of being a nation, a group of people who share a common identity based on elements like language, culture, history, and a sense of belonging. It’s the idea that “we are one people” and therefore should have the right to govern ourselves.
Example
- The unification of Italy in 1861 is an example of nationhood, where many separate states came together because they felt part of one Italian nation.
- Fighting for nationhood means groups want to govern themselves instead of being ruled by another empire, monarchy, or foreign power.
- This can involve revolutions, protests, negotiations, or long-term political movements, not just wars.
Exam technique
- In any essay on nationhood, clearly state what nationhood means before explaining the causes.
- Teachers love precise definitions.
Common Mistake
- Thinking all independence movements are violent.
- Many successful ones (India, Ghana) used political pressure, protests, and negotiation.
1. Identity and Shared Culture
- People who share language, history, religion, or traditions often see themselves as a distinct nation.
- This identity creates a powerful feeling: “We belong together, we should make our own decisions.”
Example
- Greek nationalists emphasised shared culture and Orthodox Christianity when fighting for independence from the Ottoman Empire.
Exam technique
- When asked “Why do people fight for nationhood?”, always include identity as a core cause.
- It’s fundamental and hard to argue against.
2. Resistance to Foreign Rule
- People resist foreign rule when they feel exploited, ignored, or culturally disrespected.
- Nationalism transforms this into a political argument: “We deserve independence.”
Analogy
- Imagine someone you’ve never met suddenly taking full control of your school: rules, punishments, everything.
Example
- Latin American independence movements fought back against Spain’s rigid colonial system that imposed heavy taxes, restricted trade, and enforced racial hierarchies placing peninsulares at the top.
- Creoles, mestizos, Indigenous peoples, and enslaved Africans all pushed for freedom from systems that denied them political power and equal rights.
Exam technique
- Give specific examples of grievances (unfair taxes, blocked trade, cultural suppression). Specifics = higher marks.
3. Enlightenment & Revolutionary Ideas
- Enlightenment thinkers argued that people, not kings, should hold power (popular sovereignty).
- Once people learned about rights, liberty, and equality, many questioned why empires ruled them.
Example
- Haiti’s revolution was inspired by Enlightenment values and became the first independent Black republic.
4. Economic Pressures
- Colonised or dominated groups often felt their resources were used to benefit outsiders.
- Independence becomes a way to regain economic control.
Tip
- Economics is often the practical driver behind independence, identity is the emotional one.
Example
- Indian nationalists criticised British trade policies that damaged local industries and caused economic hardship.
5. Unification Movements
- Unification happens when culturally similar states want to form a single nation to gain strength and unity.
- Unification solves the problem of being divided and weak.
Case study
Germany
- Otto von Bismarck united German states using military victories and nationalism (“Blood and Iron”).
- Prussia defeated Austria in 1866, removing Austria from German affairs and allowing Prussia to lead the northern German states.
- Prussia’s victory over France in 1870–71 united the southern German states through shared nationalism and a common enemy.
- Military success created widespread pride and momentum for unification.
- These wars paved the way for the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871 under Prussian leadership.
Case study
Italy
- Cavour (the planner) and Garibaldi (the fighter) united Italian regions into one kingdom.
- This was helped by the Red Shirts’ campaigns in southern Italy.
- Where Garibaldi’s volunteer army overthrew local rulers, ended Bourbon control in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and dramatically unified large parts of the south under a single nationalist cause.
- Their rapid victories created momentum that pushed the unification process forward.
Exam technique
- If the question mentions “movements,” you can compare both independence and unification for a stronger, more comprehensive response.
6. Emotional Motivation & National Pride
- Cultural symbols (flags, songs, myths) spark emotional attachment to the idea of a nation.
- People may fight because they feel their culture is worth defending.
Example
- Polish poets and musicians kept nationalism alive during periods of foreign domination.
- Emotional reasons often turn political frustration into mass movements.
Exam technique
- Use emotional factors as a final point in an essay: it shows understanding of nationalism as both political and cultural.
Self review
- What role does shared identity play in motivating people to seek nationhood?
- How do economic and political grievances lead groups to resist foreign rule?
- Why were Enlightenment ideas so influential in inspiring independence movements?
- Why do some groups choose unification instead of independence?
- How do emotional or cultural motivations strengthen nationalist movements?
