To What Extent is Nationalism a Modern Issue? Why is this an issue?

Origins of Nationalism Where did nationalism come from? There are three viewpoints that we can look at... The view that nationalism existed since time immemorial (primordialism). The view that nationalism emerged in a pre- modern era. The view that nationalism emerged only in the modern era.

Immemorial Nationalist activists see themselves representing a pre-existing nation. This sees the nation or ethnic group dating back 20 thousand years.

Immemorial The nation is a natural order. The nation was always there and it is the task of the nationalist to remind their companions of their glorious past. The Nazis in Germany were a good example of this of bringing out the ideas of the Aryan Race.

Pre-Modern Era Truth was derived by authority (god like people) and brought to them by a person who could speak to the gods. Tradition was seen as unshakable and sacred. Explained much through myths of the gods rather than common sense. That is how they made the unknown known.

Only in the Modern Era Until about 1800 and two nations being made (USA and France), not many people had anything but local loyalties. National identity and unity were imposed from above, because it was necessary to modernize the economy and society.

Only in the Modern Era Experts say that nations did not exist until capitalism and industrialization came to Europe. Why would you have to come together as a nation when there is really nothing to protect. Capitalism and Industrialization are worthy to protect.

Only in the Modern Era The past therefore is irrelevant, as the “nation” is a modern idea. Nation building can move forward even without the past, as you are making new a past with all the glory you have with your economy.

Ethno-Symbolism some nations reach back to the myths and memories, folk tales and cultural ancestry. They do that in the pre-modern era in order to (re)construct, (re)invigorate, or transform this community into the modern phenomena of the nation.

Ethno-Symbolism Other nations that are struggling with these pre-modern societies may seek to demonstrate their claims of political, social, cultural legitimacy and authenticity through a process that requires a lot of rediscovery to complete their transformation of a nation.

Case Study - Aboriginals in Canada Although individual First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples have their own traditions and conceptions, there are a set of general laws of relationships which are common. These are the Laws of Sacred Life, Laws of Nature, and Laws of Mutual Support.

Case Study - Aboriginals in Canada The laws are grounded in the beliefs that there is a sacred power greater that us. all parts of creation are interconnected and manifest in the spirit of the Creator. Humankind must live in respectful relationship with all that has been created. Spiritual forces are gifts intended to aid survival rather that threaten it.

Case Study - Aboriginals in Canada The Various conceptual differences between the traditions of the Aboriginal peoples and the emergence of the immigrant society would eventually lead to misunderstandings in areas such as land ownership, education, work and governance and most of all nationalism.

Your Assignment Take a look at the Iroquois Confederacy handout and then the assignment that is located on the back of the final page. The Time line is due Thursday.