Crash Course World History: Nationalism

Introduction

• Presenter: John Green
• Topic: Nationalism in the nineteenth century
• Key Points:
  • Nationalism was a significant global phenomenon.
  • It caused issues such as outdated globes ([humorous mentions of incorrect country names]).

Understanding Nationalism

• Definition of Nation-State:

  • Centralized government with authority over a defined territory.
  • Linguistic and cultural homogeneity.
  • Example: China during the Han dynasty debated as a nation-state.

• Famous Figures:

  • Bismarck (Germany), Mazzini and Garibaldi (Italy), Mustafa Kemal/Ataturk (Turkey).
  • Muhammad Ali (Egypt), Lincoln (USA).

Global Examples of Nationalism

• British Dominions: Canada, Australia, New Zealand became federated states.
• Balkans: Greece's independence (1832) and conflicts in 1878.
• India: Formation of Indian National Congress (1885).
• China: Nationalism vs. dynastic system.

Negative Aspects of Nationalism

• Figures: Hitler, Mussolini, Hirohito.
• Issues: Attempts to create homogeneous polities by eliminating differences.

Routes to Nationhood

• Organic Development: Culturally similar people formalizing connections.
• Government Construction: Use of military service, public education, and symbols for patriotism.
  • Example: Texas textbooks whitewashing history.

Factors Influencing Nationalism

• Urbanization and Industrialization:
  • New urbanites identifying with nations (e.g., Prague population boom).
• Nationalization Process:
  • Bureaucracy creation, education systems, military building.
  • Opposition to 'otherness' (e.g., Irish identity as not being English).

Conflicts and Nationalism

• Examples:
  • Napoleonic Wars (French identity).
  • Indian Rebellion (1857) leading to Indian identity.
  • American Civil War leading to 'The United States'.

Nationalism's Impact on Empires

• Ottoman Empire: Fell apart due to nationalist movements.
• Egypt: Muhammad Ali's rule encouraged Egyptian nationalism.

Case Study: Japan

• Historical Context:
  • Fragmented, feudal system until Tokugawa bakufu.
  • Stability under Tokugawa despite decentralized power.

External Influences Leading to Change

• China's Defeat: Opium Wars affecting regional power perceptions.
• Matthew Perry's Arrival: Forced Japan into unfavorable trade treaties.

Transformation in Japan

• National Reconstitution:

  • External threats sparked national consolidation.
  • End of Tokugawa shogunate and rise of Meiji Restoration.
  • Modern nation-state formation with European-style government.

• Social and Military Changes:

  • Samurai incorporated as bureaucrats.
  • Compulsory military service initiated.
  • Public education system established.

National Expansion and Conflict

• Japanese Expansion:
  • Annexed Hokkaido, Okinawa.
  • Attempted colonial expansion in Taiwan.
• Nationalism's Dark Side: Conflict-driven, preventing other nation-states.

Conclusion

• Nationalism often thrives on conflict and can prevent others from nation-building.
• Teases next topic on European Imperialism.

Additional Notes

• Production Credits: Directed by Stan Muller, script by John Green and Raoul Meyer.
• Viewer Engagement: Encourages participation through comments and phrases of the week.