Final answer:
European intellectual ideas and economic competition in the early 1900s drove nationalism, as distinct cultures sought statehood, influencing global power dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The early 1900s saw the growth of intellectual ideas in Europe, furthering the concept of nationalism as distinct cultures sought independence or dominance, influencing economic situations and the rise of national states. Economic competition, colonial ambitions, and a sense of national identity led to a competition for power. This competition was often manifested in colonial expansions, military buildups, and alliances that were both reactive and opportunistic, laying groundwork for instabilities that contributed to global conflicts such as World War I.
As new nations emerged, often forged through conflict or the uniting of communities with shared historical and cultural ties, the nationalism ideology became an important political force. This push for national unity was driven by the belief in a common destiny and a shared cultural legacy, with countries like Germany and Italy being prime examples of unification driven by nationalistic fervor.