The Advent of the -Isms: Chap. 20

Nationalism, Liberalism, Conservatism

What is an “isms”?¨ Conscious espousal of a doctrine –

in opposition with other doctrines

¨ Conservatism / Radicalism / Liberalism / Nationalism / Socialism / Communism / Individualism / Constitutionalism / Feminism / Humanitarianism / Monarchism / Utilitarianism

Definition: State

¨ a : a politically organized body of people usually occupying a definite territory; especially : one that is sovereign

¨ b : the political organization of such a body of people

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/state

Definition: Nation

¨ b : a community of people composed of one or more nationalities and possessing a more or less defined territory and government

¨ c : a territorial division containing a body of people of one or more nationalities and usually characterized by relatively large size and independent status

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nation?show=0&t=1327677480

Definition: Nation State

¨ a form of political organization under which a relatively homogeneous people inhabits a sovereign state; especially : a state containing one as opposed to several nationalities

¨ First known usage 1918Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nation-state

Nationalism¨ Evolves from real (or imagined)

cultural unity– Try to turn cultural unity into political

reality– Territories of each people could create

new states/countries– Common languages, traditions =

unity– This could create common loyalty and

self-government

Four determining factors of Nationhood (RCQ 7.1 #3)1. ethnic groups large enough to support a

viable economy

2. ethnic groups possessed a significant cultural history

3. ethnic groups possess a cultural elite who could spread the language

4. ethnic groups had a military capable of conquering others and protecting themselves

Proponents of Nationalism¨ Herder’s Volksgeist: national spirit

– But necessarily includes comparison: generates ideas of racial/cultural superiority --- we vs. they

¨ Nationalistic Groups– Italy

• Carbonari in Italy vs. Napoleon & Congress System

– Pro Italian Republic• Joseph Mazzini, 1805-1872: Duties of Man

– “Oh my Brother! Love your Country! Our Country is our home!”

– Banished 1830 – established secret society: Young Italy – pro unification

Proponents of Nationalism¨ Nationalistic groups

–German States• Burschenschaften & Frankfurt

Assembly in German States• Young Germany group modeled

after Young Italy–Slavophiles in Austrian Empire–Russification in Russia under Tsar

Nicholas

Classical Liberalism – see RCQs for more specifics¨ Pro laissez faire economy – Great Britain!

– Good: fostered Industrial Revolution– Bad: fostered exploitation of workers

¨ Liberty and Equality– Equality before the law – Freedom of speech, press, assembly, peaceful

opposition¨ Religious toleration / separation of Church &

State¨ Limited male suffrage NOT democracy

– Confidence in human capacity to self-govern (kind of)¨ Ministerial Responsibility ¨ Nationalist: each people est. its own govt.¨ Benjamin Constant, pg. 621¨ John Stuart Mill, On Liberty, 1867

Reflection Questions for John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty¨ According to Mill, when can one

person/government control/exercise their will over another person?

¨ What is social tyranny?¨ What is human liberty?¨ Whose political/social ideas does Mill stand

in direct opposition to in this text?

Relationship btw. Nationalism and Liberalism

Liberals

support nationalists in other countries when …

Nationalists support ideas like representative government, civil liberties and economic freedom (for their ethnic group)

Write it Down!

1. Is liberalism more or less radical for our 21st sensibilities? Defend your opinion.

2. Describe the role of nationalism (19th century definition) in 21st century US politics.