Nationalism and Unification

Nationalism is the belief that a group of people, often sharing a common culture, language, or history, should have their own independent nation. In 19th-century Europe, this sentiment spurred movements to unify fragmented states. Notable examples include the unification of Italy under leaders like Giuseppe Garibaldi and Count Cavour, and Germany under Otto von Bismarck. These unifications were fueled by a desire for self-determination and national identity, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of Europe, often leading to both cooperation and conflict among emerging nations.