The God of Modernity: The Development of Nationalism in Western Europe

Description

This book provides an integrated framework for explaining how nationalism has become one of the most powerful ideologies of modern times. Starting with a consideration of the medieval roots of the nation, the author goes on to examine the various approaches and structural theories which have been used to explain the development of nationalism. In so doing, he highlights the key role of cultural and political influences, as well as the impact of the French Revolution and its aftermath. Clearly written with concise, self-contained chapters, this book will be of interest to undergraduates taking a range of social science and history courses as well as specialist readers. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Contents Acknowledgements Preface PART I The Nation: A Medieval Heritage 1 Prelude to Nationhood Basic Concepts The Germanic Invasions Towards a Synthesis The Carolingian Empire 2 Domains of Statehood and Nationhood Introduction Britannia Gallia Germania Italia Hispania Provisional Conclusions PART II The Development of Nationalism: Structural Factors 3 Capitalism and Nationalism 4 State and Nationalism 5 Class, Civil Society and Nationalism 6 Church, Civil Religion and Nationalism PART III The Development of Nationalism: Ideological Factors 7 Political and Cultural Nationalism Introduction: Some Terminological Problems The Origins of the Idea of National Character in Montesquieu and Hume Rosseau and Political Nationalism Herder and Cultural Nationalism Hegel on the Volksgeist Romanticism and Nationalism PART IV The Development of Nationalism: Historical Processes 8 The Force of Historical Events: The French Revolution and its Aftermaths 9 Nationalist Paths to Modernity PART V Theoretical Recapitulation Conclusions Index