How did nationalism led to conflict?

Answer 1

The sudden rise of nationalistic fervor in Europe around the 18th century sparked a wave of Imperialism across the globe.

At the time, it was common for European citizens to have immense pride in their countries, especially after a victory in war. Since the 18th and 19th century had a multitude of global conflicts between European superpowers, nations more often than not had the opportunity to experience the surge of nationalism at least once.

Nationalism involves individuals identifying with, or becoming attached to, one's nation. Shortly before this time, Europe was plunged into political turmoil where monarchs married rulers of other countries, and their children married distant cousins of other monarchs. This resulted in widespread inbreeding of nobility and led to conflicts over land and throne rights. For their subjects, however, this resulted in it being difficult to identify their "foreign" monarch.

During this political and familial storm, it was not uncommon for the ruler of a nation to be viewed by his or her subjects as a foreigner. For example, King George I was the ruler of the Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, but was in fact born and raised in northern Germany, and didn't even speak English when he first arrived to ascend to the throne. Nevertheless, as the result of generations of inbreeding, George was in fact the rightful heir to the throne.

This improved, however, in later centuries as rulers generally stayed in their respective kingdoms, and their subjects began identifying more and more with them. It was typical after the victory of war for citizens to feel as if their nation was more or less unstoppable. This sense of nationalsim surged to new heights once the New World was discovered, and colonies soon began being established.

As wealth, power, and prestige started rolling in from colonial claims in the New World, imperialism was born.

Answer 2

Nationalism and Imperialism encouraged each nation to pursue its own interest

and compete for power.

Answer 3

Nationalism often causes groups to want their own countries, so it contributed to the rise of modern nation-states.