The Pros And Cons Of Nationalism

In the source, the author indicates that nationalism is always a positive force. Before the revolution, the feudal system in Europe did not favour the citizens. They were subject to enslavement because they were Louis XVI’s subjects. Back in those days there was no concept of nation or giving your loyalty to the country because their loyalty was owed to the French monarch or the Catholic Church. There was no country of France because the monarch was France. The Divine Right of Kings was a theory that the monarch was chosen by God to rule. However the people began to gain insight into science and philosophy that made them question everything. The bourgeoisie were extremely discontent with the Ancien Regime and the newfound ideas of nationalism propelled them to strive for change. Nationalism and the French Revolution liberated many people giving them the lives they deserve. This is an example of a positive …show more content…
Nonetheless, nationalism requires a sense of collective superiority and when a nation tries to establish dominance over another it results in conflict. Even the nationalism out of the French Revolution had its disadvantageous effects. Nationalism vindicates sacrificing other nations, nationalities and people to ensure your country’s superiority. To a degree nationalism can be safe and effective, however the perspective from this source should only be embraced to a moderate extent and not to a radical extent because nationalism or lack thereof to the extreme can have detrimental ramifications.

The French Revolution is an example of one extreme replacing another. Servitude and liberty are on the exact opposite sides of the spectrum of each other the same as slavery and freedom. The French Revolution was a positive change that resulted in chaos, chaos that is typically looked over and forgotten. The Revolution