Date of Award
5-10-2006
Document Type
Thesis
Department
History
Abstract
Why is a study of the past important to an understanding of nationalism? Webster defines nationalism as: a "loyalty and devotion to a nation; especially : a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups."1 For most people, nationalism is an intense devotion to a particular nation. For some, nationalism produces an emotional attachment evoked by rituals or symbols such as a flag, a national anthem, or a royal family. Others view nationalism as a commonality one shares with a group of people who value a specific language, religion, political ideology, and basic framework of cultural principles above others. After a cursory examination of the development of nationalism in other countries, it is evident one of the most effective tools in creating such a feeling is a common history with which a group of people can identify. 2
Recommended Citation
Bollinger, Justin J., "Mason Locke Weems, George Washington, and the Emergence of an "Evangelical Nationalism" in the Early Nineteenth Century" (2006). Honors Projects and Presentations: Undergraduate. 301.
https://mosaic.messiah.edu/honors/301
