In the earlier articles, we explored important changes in the medieval and early modern world, such as feudalism, the European Renaissance, and the interactions between Europeans and people from Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Two further developments in world history created a context for what has been called ‘modernisation’. These were the Industrial revolution and a series of political revolutions that transformed subjects into citizens, beginning with the American Revolution (1776-81) and the French Revolution (1789-94).

Industrial Revolution and Political Revolutions

However, nationalism took root not only in colonial contexts but also in the Western world and Japan. Further, nationalism comes in different forms with distinct nature which can be analyzed in detail. 

Dynamics of Western Capitalism and Imperialism

Civic Nationalism

• Inclusive Nationalism: This strand of nationalism places sovereignty in the hands of all people, irrespective of factors like language, ethnicity, religion, or gender.

• Citizenship-Centric Nationalism: It seeks to form a community of rights-exercising citizens and defines nationhood based on citizenship rather than ethnicity or religion. 
  • In many Western countries today, nationhood is framed in terms of shared citizenship, not ethnicity.
• Germany is a notable exception, as it has a historical legacy of ethnic nationalism, dating back to the French imperial occupation of German states in 1806.

Ethnic and Religious Nationalisms

• Cultural Nationalism: These types of nationalism aim to construct national identities around specific languages, religions, or traditions, often defining the nation ethnically rather than in terms of shared citizenship. 

• Ethnic Nationalism in Multi-Ethnic Nations: In multi-ethnic countries, ethnic nationalists may restrict sovereignty to a particular ethnic group, often regarding it as superior to minority communities. 
  • This form of nationalism has been prevalent in various countries, including India, China, and Japan.
• Ideological Battles: The ideological contest between civic nationalism and ethnic/religious nationalism has played out globally, shaping the political landscapes of different nations. 
  • This struggle is not limited to specific regions, and its influence extends worldwide, influencing political and social dynamics.

Timeline (c. 1700 to 2000)

• This timeline offers insights into the global events of the last three centuries, illustrating the contributions of various countries to the construction of our modern world. 
• It covers significant topics, including the African slave trade, the establishment of South Africa’s Apartheid regime, social movements in Europe, the rise of nation-states, the expansion of imperial powers and colonization, as well as democratic and anti-colonial movements that reshaped the world in the previous century. 
• Additionally, it highlights noteworthy inventions and technological advancements associated with modernity.

Conclusion

The era of modernization marked profound shifts in global dynamics through the Industrial Revolution and political upheavals. These changes fostered the rise of nationalism, shaped diverse forms of capitalism, and influenced the creation of modern nation-states, reflecting a transformative period from the 18th to the 20th century.