It fostered delusions about the relative military strength of European nations. Nationalism was closely linked to militarism. Nationalist sentiment was fuelled by a sense of historical destiny and, therefore, closely tied to the history and development of each nation. In each country, nationalism was underpinned by different attitudes, themes and events. Nationalist ideas could also be found in literature, music, theatre and art. The pages of many newspapers were filled with nationalist rhetoric and provocative stories, such as rumours about rival nations and their evil intentions. Nationalist sentiment was also prevalent in press reporting and popular culture. Politicians, diplomats and royals contributed to this nationalism in their speeches and rhetoric. Other nations and empires, in contrast, were dismissed as inferiors or rivals.
Growth and prosperity were interpreted by some as a sign of destiny. Others believe that nationalism was a by-product of economic and imperial expansion. Some historians suggest that nationalism was encouraged and harnessed by European elites to encourage loyalty and compliance. The rise of popular sovereignty (the involvement of people in government), the formation of empires and periods of economic growth and social transformation all contributed to nationalist sentiments. Nationalism is likely a product of Europe’s complex modern history. The origins of this intense European nationalism are a matter of debate. Nationalist press reports convinced many readers the interests of their country were being threatened by the plotting, scheming and hungry imperialism of its rivals. In contrast, nationalists criticised rival nations to the point of demonisation, caricaturing them as aggressive, scheming, deceitful, backward or uncivilised. In matters of foreign affairs or global competition, they were convinced that their country was fair, righteous and beyond fault.
Many nationalists also became blind to the faults of their own nation. The effects of this growing nationalism were an inflated confidence in one’s nation, its government, economy and military power. “…a new and aggressive nationalism, different from its predecessors, engaged the fierce us-them group emotions – loyalty inwards, aggression outwards – that characterise human relations at simpler sociological levels, like the family or the tribe.” According to historian Lawrence Rosenthal, this sentiment was: In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many Europeans, particularly citizens of the so-called Great Powers ( Britain, France and Germany) had convinced themselves of the cultural, economic and military supremacy of their nation. 9 Balkan nationalism Feelings of supremacy
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