Final answer:
Nationalism, prevalent in the 19th century, refers to a movement where people with shared characteristics like language and culture sought to form independent nations. It led to nation-state formations and independence movements but also had exclusionary and conflict-generating repercussions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 19th century, a significant ideological shift occurred where groups of people began to see themselves as part of a larger collective bound by common characteristics such as language, history, culture, religion, and ethnicity. This concept is identified as nationalism, which nurtured the desire for these shared communities to self-govern and form their own independent nations. Nationalism became a powerful force in shaping the political landscape of the time, leading to the formation of nation-states and spurring movements for self-determination among diverse ethnic and cultural groups.
Nationalism is akin to patriotism, representing love and devotion to one's country, but it also emphasizes the assertion of a national group's interest distinct from those of others. It was instrumental in the creation of nation-states across Europe, where people sought a government reflective of their common heritage, as seen with the burgeoning national identities such as the Polish, Serbs, and others. Nationalists aimed to unify these identities under a single territorial state with a government led by members of the nationality in question. This ideology supported independence movements, such as Zionism, and contributed to the emancipation of countries from colonial rule.
While nationalism encouraged unity and freedom, it also led to exclusionary practices and even conflict, where one nation might claim superiority over others. This complex ideology shaped much of the history of the 19th and 20th centuries, creating lasting political and social impacts still relevant today.