The term 'nation' is derived from the Latin word 'Natio'.

'Natio' means
birth or blood relationship and, by implication, 'nation' means
common origin or the people who have common ancestors. However, over a long period of
time the people belonging different races have lost racial purity and today the people
belong to mixed racial lot. Thus a nation is a group of people inhabiting a definite territory,
having a common tradition and a common political will to be an independent political unit.
Definitions
"According to Barker, "a nation is a body of persons inhabiting a definite territory and thus
united together by the primary fact of living together on a command land." Ramsay Muir
says that, "a nation is a body of people who feel themselves to be nationally linked together
by certain affinities and cannot tolerate subjection to others."
Lord Bryce, “A nation is a nationality which has organised itself into a political body, either
independent or desiring to be independent.”

Nation and Nationality

Nationality is a group of people, sharing common cultural
background and racial characteristics, common language and religion, on which basis they
form a distinct group from others. Nation is a political organisation, whereas nationality
does not refer to any political unity. However, the goal of a nationality is to establish a
nation. It can exist even under a foreign rule. e.g. Indian nationality existed under British
Rule. Nationality becomes a nation when
it aspires for or actually attains a sovereign political status of independence.
Lord Bryce says the difference between a nation and nationality is of political organisation.

Nation and State

A state exists whenever there are the four elements of population, territory, government
and sovereignty. But a nation can exist with or without a state as long as there is the
common political will to live together as one group. In a state there is political unity but in a
nation besides political unity there is also a psychological sentiment and attachment of the
members.

Elements or factors of a Nation

1. Common race
Racial unity greatly contributes to the growth of a nation as people belonging to a common
race tend to come closer to each other. However, most of the modern states contain people
belonging to different races and hence, racial community has ceased to play the same role it
did in the past.
2. Common religion
Religion has also played an important role in fostering spirits of unity in olden days. People
were held together by their common worship of some Gods, But modern states today have
become secular where it consists of several religions. The role of religion has also declined
today.
3. Common language
A common language and literature emotionally unites people. It binds diverse races because
through it people can communicate and pass on values, objectives and traditions from
generation to generation. Yet, common language is also not an absolute necessity for a
nation. There are nations with diverse languages like India.
4. Common geography
Occupation of a common territory is an important factor of a nation. People living in a
particular territory tend to develop common values, ideals, and attitudes. However, this is
also not an absolute element as nations can still survive without occupying a permanent
territory.
5. Common history and culture
Possession of common culture and tradition also contributes to the growth of a nation. A
common historical past inculcates in the minds of the people a sense of oneness. They
develop common customs and practices, festivals, reverence for common leaders and
heroes which binds them together as a group.
6. Common political aspirations
The will to be a nation or to live like a nation is regarded as the principal element of a
nation. With political consciousness, people start movements for a separate sovereign state.

Meaning of Nationalism
Nationalism is the spirit of a nationality. It is a kind of political consciousness of belonging to
a group which possesses certain characteristics. It is identified with patriotism which is
intense love for the nation. It is a force holding together a community in a defined territory,
maintaining their rights against arbitrary powers within the state and preservation of its
independence against aggression from outside. Nationalism is a set of attitudes whereby
people place their loyalties to the nation over and above their individual or group.
According, to Alfred De Grazia, nationalism combines both love of one's country and
suspiciousness of foreigners. One loves one's country because of shared values with others
who live in it and foreigners are suspected because they do not share the same values.
Modem Nationalism is characterised by movement of a nationality aiming at achieving
independence and to form a state organization of its choice. Nationalism has been a
powerful political force in modern times leading to the emergence of many new nation
states in Asia and Africa. Nationalism in simple words means a feeling of oneness.

FACTORS PROMOTING NATIONALISM

The factors which integrate a people and contribute the emergence of nationalism,-are as
follows:
1) Ethnic factor:
The ethnic or racial factor, that is, blood relationship, common ancestor, has played
important role to keep people united. The birth of Israel, in 1948, was based on the principle
of ethnicity. The Jews succeeded in establishing the state for their race. However, this does
not mean that nations cannot exist without common racial origin." Nations like Switzerland,
America, Russia, etc., have citizens from different races. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied
that racial unity may promote a feeling of oneness.
2) Language:
It is another factor which promotes nationalism. A common medium of communication is
necessary for the people to understand the feelings, passions and problems of one another.
Before the British came to India there was no common language and hence India was
divided. English language, which the British taught the Indians for their imperialist interests,
actually turned out to be a language of communication among people speaking different
languages. Thus, languages played a highly significant role in knitting the people into a
homogeneous nation.
3) Religion:
Another force which instils nationalism in the members of a group is religion. People
following the same religion have a great sense of unity. This has been a very old bond of
union. The birth of Pakistan as a nation was mainly due to the religious factor. However,
there are nations like India, Switzerland and many others which have great religious
diversity and yet their people have common national sentiments. But it cannot be denied
that religion continues to be very great source of nationalism.
4) Geographical Factors:
It is natural that people living in' a geographically contiguous territory develops a feeling of
oneness. They have common interest and there is free communication among them. This
helps to create in them a feeling of homogeneity and brotherhood which infuses in them
the spirit of nationalism.
5) A Common historical background:
History also unites the people on the basis of past glories and sufferings, rich tradition and
culture that they inherit. Indians, sharing a common political heritage of national
movement, developed a sentiment of unity which finds expression through national
feelings.
6) Common Political Aspirations:
With all these common factors, the most ^powerful and essential factor that binds a
nationality is common political aspirations, 'the desire to be an independent state. A
nationality is not a political state until it has an independent political setup of its own. Hence
only with this political desire the people, with all other common factor things, can be called
a Nation.

Kinds of nationalism

1. Liberal nationalism
Liberal nationalism emerged during the 19th century in Europe. During this period,
principles of democracy and self determination gained currency and demand for
doing away with the old gained momentum. A number of revolutions took place in
different countries of Europe that successfully attained national independence and
developed democratic sentiments. Liberal nationalism stood for political
independence externally and internally for equal grant of democratic rights and
liberties for all citizens.
2. Totalitarian nationalism
Totalitarian nationalism stood for absolute supremacy of the state wherein the
individuals are completely subordinated to the rule of the state. Externally, it stood
for extension of national territories and internally, individual’s rights were seriously
restricted. Totalitarian nationalism developed in Germany under Hitler and Italy
under Mussolini. It laid great emphasis on the role of the state and party and
completely subordinated the individual. It is also known as aggressive nationalism.
3. Integral nationalism
This type of nationalism emerged during the 20 th century. This type of nationalism
holds that what is good for any nation is considered to be good for the world.
Morgenthau calls this as nationalistic universalism. Many nations especially the
 advanced nations attempted to expand their sway over other territories with its
values, standards, political ideologies and principles
as it considered them to be the best for the entire world. This type of nationalism is
dangerous because it encouraged each state to turn the whole world into its image
and thereby integrate others into its fold. It is also known as expansionist
nationalism.
4. New nationalism
The new nationalism emerged after the 2 nd w.w. This type of nationalism mainly
developed in the countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. The new nationalism
laid emphasis on ending the colonial rule and dominance of. It insisted on political
equality and freedom to determine the domestic policies of the country without
interference from outside. The new nationalism enabled most of the former colonies
to gain political independence.

Impact of nationalism
Positive impacts/merits
1. It promotes patriotism: Nationalism promotes patriotism by encouraging people to
subordinate their individual interest to that of the state.
2. It is a unifying force: Nationalism unifies people. It encourages people from diverse
backgrounds to unite in the name of the nation. It encourages the spirit of compromise and
respect for each other’s diversities.
3. It promotes internationalism: Nationalism has further strengthened the growth of
internationalism. There s a growing sense of co operation among nations.

Negative impact/demerits
1. It has encouraged wars: Nationalism has encouraged wars and conflicts as it
promotes spirit of intolerance towards others. Obsessive love for ones’ nation
develops hatred for others which often leads to aggression.
2. Promotes racialism: It also promotes racialism because powerful nations often
regard people of other races as inferior and develops ambitions to dominate over
others.
3. Encouraged imperialist policies: Nationalism instil in the minds of the people to
assume the superiority of their culture which further leads to imposition of the same
over others. Therefore they embark on imperialist policies to spread their culture
over other races.
4. Dangerous to international peace and security: Nationalism encourages nations to
enhance their military power so that they may dominate international politics. This
disturbs peace and security and disrupts harmony and cooperation among nations.

IMPERIALISM
Imperialism remarks, Palmer and Perkins. “Can be discussed, denounced, defended and
died for, but can’t be defined in any generally acceptable way. It means different thing to
different people”
Imperialism means the control of one nation over the people of another country. It is the
policy of a nation to extend its control outside its own boundaries, by acquisition of colonies
or dependencies, or by jurisdiction over other races. It is a movement towards territorial
expansion with implied economic interests. It is based on superior and inferior relationship.

DEFINITIONS
According to Schuman, “Imperialism is the imposition by force and violence of
alien rule upon subject people’
According to Morgenthau, “Imperialism is the expansion of a state’s power beyond
its borders”.
According to Charles Hodges,” Imperialism involves the imposition of control, open or direct
or indirect, of one people by the other.”
Lenin says,” Imperialism is the last and highest stage of imperialism.”

Factors contributing to the growth of imperialism/ causes

1. Geographical Discoveries
The discovery of new lands and territories by explorers was one of the earliest sources of
imperialism. This led to establishment of colonies and further encouraged other nations to
do the same.
2. Industrial revolution
The industrial revolution brought about tremendous changes and improvements in
industrial productivity. This gave an impetus to colonial and imperialist activities. The
European industrialised nations like England, Spain, France etc sought for raw materials
elsewhere in order to meet the growing demands of their industries by establishing new
colonies. It also led them to search for new markets to sell off their products and investment
of surplus capital. Therefore, they embarked on a policy of acquiring more territories under
their control.
3. Surplus population
Industrialisation led to urbanisation and overpopulation. As a result, most of the European
nations established new colonies to accommodate their excess population. Germany and
Japan acquired colonies in Africa and China to rehabilitate their surplus population.
4. Religion and Humanitarian considerations
Religion was another factor for the growth of imperialism. Christian missionaries were sent
to remote places to spread their religion. They rendered services for the upliftment of the
poor, illiterate and ignorant masses and slowly imperialist nations extended their control
over these nations. Many imperialist nations carved out colonies with a view to civilize and
sensitize the backward people living there. They believed that it was their responsibility to
civilize the backward nations.
5. Aggressive nationalism and national prestige
The aggressive nationalism in some countries encouraged them to embark on policy of
conquests. Germany and Italy under the impulse of nationalism glorified war and asserted
that a nation perishes which ceases to expand.
6. Improvement in means of transport and communication
Along with industrial revolution, the improvement in the means of transport and
communication also greatly contributed to imperialist activities. Movement of people and
goods from one place to another was eased and hence the imperialist nations could easily
reach out for new territories.
Methods or techniques of imperialism
1. Armed aggression and annexation
In the first instance, powerful nations used their military powers to overpower weak and
backward nations. After conquering their territories, they extended their rule over them.
This technique was used by Spain, Britain, and France etc.
2. Leasehold
Nations acquire lease over a certain area from a weak nation with the right to exploit its
economic resources and govern the same. The British acquired lease in India over certain
area from the Mughal Emperors and gradually established their political power over India.
3.Sphere of influence
When countries acquire exclusive right to exploit and develop backward regions of other
nations, it is called sphere of influence. In these spheres of influence, the imperialist nation
is granted certain concessions to the exclusion of other nations.
4. Protectorate
When a nation assumes the responsibility to manage defence and foreign affairs of another
nation, it is called a protectorate. The native ruler manages internal administration but all
foreign policies are controlled by the imperial nation.
5. Extra territorial
Extra territoriality means when an imperial nation acquires the right to protect its citizens
in accordance with its own laws and exempt them from the jurisdiction of the colonial
nation.

Kinds of Imperialism
The following are the three general methods of imperialism.

1. Military Imperialism:
In the words of Morgenthau, ”The most obvious, the most ancient and also the
crudest from of imperialism is the military conquest. Under this type of imperialism, the
imperialist nation resort to open use of military power and force to acquire new territories
under their empire. The best examples are Hitler and Napoleon.

2. Economic Imperialism
Economic imperialism is concerned with controlling policies, domestic or foreign
of the economically weaker nations by means of economic investment and economic
assistance. This type does not involve the use of force but makes use of economic resources
to extend its power and influence over other nations. In Present times The US has
successfully employed this method in various countries on account of its heavy investments.

3. Cultural Imperialism:
It is not at the conquest of territory or at the control of economic life, but the
control of the minds of man by emphasising cultural superiority of the imperialist nation.
The examples of Hitler in projecting Germans over other races, Soviet Union and China in
controlling communist parties of other nations.
4. Religious imperialism
Religious imperialism is based on the spread of religion by Christian missionaries to Asian
and African countries. Religious imperialism got great success in these countries because of
their humanitarian activities that impressed the native people.

Impact of imperialism
Merits of imperialism
1. Social reforms
Imperialism gave an impetus for social reforms. The imperialist s tried to eradicate social
evils that existed in backward nations In India, the British abolished c=such evil practices of
our society like sati, dowry, child marriage etc.
2. Political Unity:
In Asia and Africa there used to be small fragmented states which lacked efficient and
orderly government. The imperialist powers bound these areas in the threat of unity and
centralized government. The Political unity of India is an example.
3. Economic Development:
With the establishment of European empires in Asia and Africa, economic development of
the areas took place. These areas got the advantage of railway, transport and means of
communication. The opening of new means for transport and communication paved the
way for industrialization. Trade and commerce also developed.
4. Training for self government:
The European established despotic and autocratic rule in the colonies. But gradually, they
were given training for self government and ultimately got the rights of self-government. In
due course they all became independent. It provided more efficient system of
administration compared to the traditional and backward administration prevailing in most
of these countries.
8. Promotes Inter- Nationalism:
Imperialism has given impetus to World brotherhood and internationalism. An empire
comprises people of different nationalities, religion, races and languages and they come
closer to each other. In this way world brother hood and internationalism supersede
nationalistic and parochial tendencies.

Demerits of Imperialism and Colonialism

1) Imperialism as symbol of Political subjection: Imperialism is the imposition of alien
rule upon the subject people. It is based on superior- subordinate relationship
Imperialist power never considers the dependent people on equal status. It deprives the
people of their political rights. Imperialism is established by force and results in loss of
independence.
2) Economic Exploitation: Economic gain is one of the fundamental motives of
imperialism. For their own interests the capitalist imperialist countries fully exploited
the dependent countries. The Imperialist powers established factories in the colonies.
But it was not for the development of the colonies, it was for the economic gain of the
imperialists. Imperialist powers had exploited the colonies with all possible measures.
3) Encourage racial discrimination: Imperialism encourages racial discrimination. In
India the British created the problem of racial discrimination on the basis of
religion. In Africa the policy of colour discrimination was pursued between whites and
blacks. Almost all the imperial powers adopted the policy of racial discrimination towards
the local people.
4) Encourages War and –rivalry: Imperialist rivalries among the Imperialist powers have
become a source of War and Inter-state conflicts. The competition for colonies among
various imperial powers resulted in frequent wars and brought about untold destruction
and suffering to the people. The first and second world wars were the results of the
imperialistic rivalries among the big powers.
5) Destroys native culture and morality: - Imperialism was largely responsible for the
destruction of native culture of the colonial people. The imposition of western language,
culture and dress etc. has destroyed completely the native language, literature and culture.
It resulted in the decline of the prestige of national language and culture in the colonies.
The British even destroyed the morality of the colonies, by encouraging immoral activities.