National Idea of the Early and Late 19th century

Nationalism as a radical idea of the early 19th century was destined to have an enormous influence in the modern world. In this ideology we find some points standing out, firstly nationalism has normally evolved from a real or imagined cultural unity supporting itself especially in a common language, history, and territory. Nationalists also have usually sought to turn this cultural unity into political reality and modern nationalism had its immediate impact in the French …

…of these great universalistic movements ultimately served to reinforce ethno-culturalism and diversity became tolerated only within the context of the particularism of national cultures. The two symbols of modern Europe thus became the crucifix and the patriotic victory column. Throne and altar found their common expression in European modernity and its enduring watchword progress. It was upon this foundation of a distorted modernity that the idea of Europe as a civilization of national cultures crystallised.