19th Century Nationalism

"A country is not merely a geographic territory.... A country is the sense of love which unites as one all the sons and daughters of that geographic territory. So long as a single person amongst you has no vote to represent him in the development of the national life; so long as there is one person left to vegetate in ignorance while others are educated; so long as a single person that is able and willing to work languishes in poverty through lack of a job, you have no country in the sense in which a country ought to exist. The right to vote, education, and employment are the three main pillars of a nation. The life of your country will be immortal so long as you are ready to die for your fellow men and women. "

From Giuseppe Mazzini: A Memoir by E. A. Venturi.

Giuseppe Mazzini, was a leader in the struggle for Italian unification.

NEW TRENDS IN KOREAN NATIONALISM

South Koreans' attitude toward the U.S., as seen in the latest hostage crisis in Afghanistan, was markedly different from the anti-American sentiment vented during the kidnapping and beheading of Kim Sun-il in Iraq in June 2004. Despite some minor protests, the ratification of the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement is proceeding apace, with anti-American, pro-North Korean voices much quieter than they have been.

Several academics say the 20-year-long marriage between the Left and nationalists born in the democratic struggle against authoritarian governments in the 1970s and 1980s is coming to an end. That means farewell to the defensive, registance nationalism produced by Korea’s history in the 20th century. Foreign experts, by contrast, worry that Korean nationalism is becoming more aggressive.

NATIONALISM AND THE CREATION OF ITALY

Nationalism is a way to express your custom and show pride to your country. To be devoted to where you from and stand for your culture and represent. It brings people together as one, as a nation. I'm a nationalistic in many ways. By only wearing your country's colors of the flag your showing nationalism. The majority of people celebrate holidays such as our independence day, July 4th where you go to see fireworks only on that special day. Celebrating common holidays such as Halloween, thanksgiving, or Christmas is showing that you take part of your nation and shows nationalism. The simple tasks of only saying the Pledge of Allegiance every morning in school shows nationalism, and/or saluting the American flag as well. Showing respect and ethnicity for your country is a simple way to describe nationalism.

Italy is a perfect example for nationalism. Nationalism is what brought the people together in Italy and helped them succeed towards their unification. Austria ruled part of Italy during 1815. While time went on, more and more Italians felt they were fed up with their foreign rules, which led them to wanting change. A group by the name Young Italy, which was organized by Giuseppe Mazzini, was a group that contributed towards their unification. Camillo di Cavour also was a another leader that helped lead Italy towards the act of nationalism. Then, with the help of Napoleon the third, they went to war with Austria and were victorious on taking over all of northern Italy. Giuseppe Garibaldi also was one of the leaders to help Italy out. He led a group of army called the Red Shirts and helped out on uniting the southern part of Italy. From the brave actions of these men, Italy became one, with the leaders and all the other people taking part in the quest.

Albert Einstein's Quote

What do you think of this comment by Einstein? Is it accurate?

Ireland, Quebec, Palestine, Euskal Herria

A video of past conflicts in these 4 regions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYg3KLIQnZ0

Nationalism: Is It Possible?

In countries where provinces and states are divided based on cultural, geographical, linguistic or religious differences, is nationalism of a nation possible? For example, in Canada, where French is spoken in Quebec but English is spoken in the rest of the country, is it possible for Canadian nationalism?

The Basque Attitude Towards ETA

In 2003, 60% of the Basque population rejected the terrorist group ETA. In recent years, the support by the Basque people for ETA has been on a continuous decline. Is this not sufficient evidence enough that states only a small minority of Basque citizens are extremists or terrorists? Does this change your view on the Basque people?

TERROR ATTACK IN BELFAST

What do yo think about the attack in Belfast by IRA after to 11 years?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2leFjNvjnw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itPSjowq4J4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve34yam0qYA&feature=related


Thank you

ETA Declaring a Ceasefire

On March 24, 2006 the Basque terrorist group ETA declared a caesefire.

Here is a video with subtitles on what was said:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=689FoInsot0

Please comment on whether or not you think ETA's statements were justified.

Any questions or comments on this video are encouraged.

Quebec's Granting of Special Status

On November 27, 2006, the House of Commons passed a symbolic motion moved by Prime Minister Stephen Harper declaring that "this House recognize[s] that the Québécois form a nation within a united Canada. Essentially the Canadian House of Commons officially recognized the distinctiveness of Quebec and that it is a homeland of people.

http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Pub=hansard&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=1&DocId=2544166&File=0#SOB-1798651

Here is a link displaying exactly what was said on that day.

Do you think this special recognition will promote more Quebec nationalism or Canadian nationalism? Do you think citizens of Quebec will recognize the government's efforts in trying to please them? Was this a good move put forward by the Canadian government?

Also, has anything like this ever happened in your own country?

Any thoughts or comments are welcome.

Causes of Nationalism

What do you think are the root causes of nationalism, despite what country you live in? Is it language and culture that segregates a population? Is it geographical proximity? Do any of these factors weigh more heavily than others? In other words, what causes nationalism in your own country?

Nationalism's Link to Terrorism

How has nationalism in your own country affected your daily lives? If it has, do you feel a sense of hatred towards those nationalists in your country?