Nationalism

Nationalism is the conscious effort of a population to unify in hope for positive change and a sense of widespread pride. The enablers for nationalism include a common background and common goals among the people involved. In order to achieve nationalism, the people must share the same reason to unite and must also share the same ambitions so they can create a system that is better for all. Nationalism (when achieved) is helpful to the people it unites. However, it does not necessarily help surrounding nations. The revolution in Haiti represents the principles explained above. The Haitian people became nationalistic because they had the same background (slavery), the same goals (to create an independent nation), and created a nation for themselves that abolished what they sought to destroy (slavery). This instance of nationalism helped Haiti dramatically, but it also obviously hurt France. This circumstance shows that the effects of nationalism resonate differently with different countries.

Nationalism is that can be an unstoppable force, but it is also extremely dangerous when mislead. Nazi Germany became intensely united before the world wars, strengthening Germany's economy, military, and sense of national pride (a successful example of nationalism). On the contrary, the people involved in the French Revolution became temporarily united towards a valid cause, but soon deteriorated into chaotic violence when mislead by a corrupt leader. Clearly, nationalism is as strong as it is fragile.