The Role of Nationalism in Independence Movements

Nationalism has played a significant role in the independence movements for many countries. A sense of national identity and national pride has proven to be instrumental in nations’ ability to organize and overcome unwelcome colonial powers and achieve status as independent states. The way that nationalism plays its role varies depending upon the details of every situation. In some cases, it brings unity and fraternity among the people, and in other times it has led to division and bloodshed among people of the same nation. An example of how nationalism can manifest in different ways is in a comparison of the struggles for independence in Algeria and in Vietnam.

Nationalism can be described as loyalty and devotion to a nation. It is an ideology which, “holds that all peoples derive their identities from their nations, which are defined by common language, shared cultural traditions, and sometimes religion.”[1] In this way, being a nationalist doesn’t necessarily mean that one’s loyalty lies with the state that is defined by official boundaries. The concept is more strongly related to what one would consider “their people,” regardless of state or national lines that are drawn. This is one way that nationalism can lead to violence and warfare as two separate groups fight for control over a territory. However, when people of a nation can be united through nationalism, it can be a very powerful tool to bring the wishes of the people to reality