What was a significant political movement in the 18th and 19th centuries?

Nationalism was a significant political movement in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly as nations began to form around shared languages, cultures, and histories. This period saw the rise of national identity as people began to view their loyalty and allegiance toward their nation-state rather than larger empires or monarchies.

The French Revolution is often cited as a catalyst for nationalist sentiments, as it promoted the idea of popular sovereignty and civic nationalism, where citizens were united by a common nationality and citizenry rather than solely by royal decree. Nationalism subsequently played a crucial role in various independence movements, where groups sought to establish their own nation-states, as seen in areas such as Italy and Germany during the 19th century.

This rise of nationalism contributed to major geopolitical changes, including the decline of empires that were unable to accommodate rising nationalist aspirations expressed by various ethnic and cultural groups. It also influenced colonial movements as nations sought to extend their influence abroad, further intertwining with imperialistic endeavors in this era. Thus, nationalism not only shaped domestic policies and identities but also significantly impacted international relations and conflicts during the 18th and 19th centuries.