Nationalism

Nationalism gave citizens excessive confidence in their nation, their governments and their military strength. It assured them that their country was fair, righteous and without blame. In contrast, nationalist ideas demonized rival nations, caricaturing them as aggressive, scheming, deceitful, backward or uncivilized.

It convinced many citizens their nation was being threatened by the plotting, scheming and hungry imperialism of its rivals. Nationalist and militarist rhetoric assured people that if war erupted, their nation would emerge victorious. In concert with its brothers, imperialism and militarism, nationalism contributed to a mass delusion that made a European war seem both necessary and winnable.

In the early 1900s, this nationalism created a fierce competition and rivalry between Europe’s powers. These powers were Germany, Austria-Hungary, Great Britain, Russia, Italy, and France. In order to be the greatest of the great nations, the nation would have to be the best at everything- both militarily and economically.

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