Social 20-1_ Position Paper - Erica Goh

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University of Calgary *

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SOCIAL STU

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History

Date

Oct 30, 2023

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pdf

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Uploaded by DukeSparrow1035

Social 20-1: Position Paper “To What Extent Should Nationalism be Pursued?” When a person supports one nation and its interests, it’s referred to as nationalism. Nationalism has had both a positive and negative effect on society, throughout history. I believe that when nationalism is pursued to a limited level where it does not harm others, it can be beneficial. Ultranationalism is a form of extreme nationalism where one puts their nation’s interests above everything else and is where nationalism becomes an issue. Nationalism has the ability to help unite people and create patriotism, but at the same time, it can cause ultranationalism and fascism due to the competitive strive for superiority. The source demonstrates how nationalism can destroy a nation. In the source, we witness a crowd of individuals who are almost acting like zombies, brainlessly following a leader who says “follow me” to the edge of a cliff. This indicates how nationalism may force people to become oblivious to their actions and cause them to follow others mindlessly. I feel that nationalism is advantageous when it's done to a controlled degree, but when it is pursued further it becomes dangerous, this is visible throughout history during the French Revolution, and Germany during WW2. Many people debate whether nationalism is either beneficial or detrimental. To a certain extent, nationalism is able to unite people together, create safe communities, etc. However, when nationalism crosses that line and begins to affect people negatively, it becomes an issue. This is visible during the French Revolution. The French Revolution occurred as a result of the monarch's unjust treatment of its citizens. Many came together tired of this injustice and aimed to get rid of the hierarchy system. Nationalism made it possible for the people to come together and fight against the monarch’s arbitrary rule, fighting for the same cause helped unite the people, through its successes, it unified its people and achieved its collective goal. The French Revolution was also a good representation of the effects on nationalism when it pursued too far. During the French Revolution after the overthrow of the monarch, many people endured suffering during the Reign of Terror which killed thousands of people. If one suggested anything unfavourable about the Revolution, they would face persecution. This era of the revolution exemplifies how when nationalism is taken too far and starts harming individuals it causes detrimental effects on society. The French Revolution demonstrates how when nationalism is pursued only to a certain extent where it doesn’t cause harm to the people it can be beneficial, but it also shows when nationalism is pursued too far it can cause detrimental effects. Germany during WW2 exhibits the effect of nationalism when it is followed too far. Although WW2 was a devastating point in history, it was also able to show how when nationalism is contained, it can become beneficial. During the Great Depression, which was when most of the world fell into economic chaos and many lost their jobs, Germany was able to recover due to nationalism. The Nazi Party came into power capitalizing on this time of need. They were able to lead the nation as everyone followed their economic policies and their work programs. Nationalism allowed the Nazi Party to lead the people allowing them to overcome this difficult time. During the start of W

W2 which was caused by extreme nationalism, the Nazi Party led by Adolf Hitler exploited their power, in which they forced their extremely aggressive ideologies onto others. This was done by inflicting fear and their control on the education system. This guided Germany’s numerous amount of invasions in European countries, including France, Poland, and many others. It caused the deaths of millions, including many Jews which Hitler used as scapegoats and the discrimination against them continued as many followed Hitler’s beliefs. Lots of other minority groups were also persecuted. Germany during WW2 shows how when nationalism is pursued too far, which harms others it can cause devastating effects, but when it is restrained it can help many overcome problems, like economic hardship. History, including the French Revolution and Germany during WW2, is able to show the devastating effects of nationalism as well as its many benefits. Furthermore, I believe that nationalism should only be embraced to an extent which does not cause harm to individuals. Nationalism has had many negative effects on society, but throughout history, we also see the benefits of it too when it is controlled. Nationalism is able to create a sense of unity, embrace national pride, promote sovereignty and many others. At the same time, it is able to conflict aggression towards other nations, national isolation, belief of superiority, etc. Nationalism has improved the lives of many when it is pursued to a safe degree, and I believe that when nationalism starts to harm others, it is where it starts to cause devastating effects.

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