Nationalism is a political, economic and social ideology, doctrine and practice describing the “advocacy of or support for the interests of one’s own nation”, especially above the interests of other outside nations, individuals, and regions (“Nationalism”). It is a conscious state of mind where individuals believe their duty and loyalty is to the nation-state. It believes that a nation is the most crucial aspect for human social life because it gives a nation a sense of unity by promoting the shared interests and identities of the individuals such as language, race, religion etc. (“Nationalism”). Therefore, the aim of nationalism is to preserve and promote the nation’s culture as opposed to other cultures. Politically, the goal is gaining and …show more content…
Canadian nationalism flourished following the First and Second World Wars, but it has also struggled to compete against the forces of provincial identity, especially in Quebec (Smith “Nationalism”). The French and English Canadians had a decent relationship before the First World War, the only difference between them being language. But when Britain declared war on Germany in 1914, a long narrative of tension commenced. The Canadian government “announced it would rely on volunteers to fill up the ranks” (Levi 148). English Canadians were ready to fight for the British Empire to show their support and loyalty and they called for all able-bodied men to join. However, this sentiment was not fully shared by the French Canadians, who did not want to fight overseas in an alien land for a cause that did not involve them. They saw that the war was not to defend Canada but Britain. However, the support for the war drowned out the voices of caution. After months of what was supposed to be a short war, enthusiasm by the English Canadians dissipated and their volunteer levels dropped. Participation levels in total slowed, especially in …show more content…
Marine Leland states that “since the conscription issue is, to all appearances, the point at which French and English stand farthest apart, [MacLennan] has set his story in two periods of Canadian history, World Wars I and II, when that issue brought the two races in open conflict” (424). And here is the foundation of which the novel, Two Solitudes by Hugh MacLennan lies upon. It ventures through the anti-conscription Quebec riots of 1917 to the arrival of the Second World War. He presents a thesis about the national tensions that caused the English and French in Canada to refuse amalgamation despite living in one nation together. The story centers around two families living in Quebec – one French and one English, spanning across two generations. It studies the religious, moral and social conflicts that the two opposing families deal with during this time of discordance. Firstly, MacLennan introduces the crisis between the French Canadians and English Canadians through multiple character relationships. Secondly, he uses the concept battling ideologies of religion through the relationship between Athanase and Father Beaubien. Thus, demonstrating how it influences certain characters’ viewpoints. Lastly, he uses the gap between the older generation and the newer generation in the Tallard family and how
Nationalism is defined as love of your country. The basis for Canada’s national love of country is focused around three main ideas; devotion, sacrifice and willingness to die. These characteristics are displayed in the play Billy Bishop Goes to War. Thousands of young men were shipped off to war with these three great qualities. Billy Bishop was among those thousands and was an outstanding World War One pilot who displayed the three key qualities that our national love is based upon throughout the play. Being willing to do anything to protect our country and its freedom is nationalism.
Nationalism has been a potent force for change since the development of human civilization. However, opinion about the extent to which nationalism may be appropriately pursued is highly diverse, a factor that has led to immense tragedy and suffering in countless regions worldwide. While it is both appropriate and sometimes encouraged to take pride in being part of a nation, it is of the utmost importance that it is done without harming or subjugating people of another. Uniting a people by force and potentially eliminating or destroying those who may oppose it or not belong to it is unacceptable ethically, morally, and socially.
An example that significantly proves this was Canada’s contributions in World War I and its aftermath. As a colony of Britain, Canada entered the first World War under the nationalism for Britain and its citizens. Their loyalty and motivation to fight was still tied to their mother country. However, as fights occurred, nationalism for Britain started to transition to nationalism for Canada and Canadians. The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a victory that marked Canadian nationalism. This was a battle where Canadians fought for Canadians and Canadians won for Canadians. Not only did it increase nationalistic feelings with the Canadians, but it also gave recognition of independence for Canada, from the other countries. This triumph and motivated battle showed many countries and nations that Canada was responsible and capable of handling their own. It proved, that with Canadian nationalism and capability, Canada can be an independent nation. Later, after the war, this caused Canada to be able to sign the Treaty of Versailles under Britain’s signature and as well get representative seats for Canada in the Peace Conferences. These events show how sufficient levels of nationalism causes successful turn outs and healthy recognition from other
Throughout the years, humans have constructed many unique civilizations; all which follow a distinct social, economic, and political structure. Even so, there is one characteristic that prevails among these societies, the concept of nationalism. In short, nationalism refers to the feelings people have when identifying with their nation. This simple notion possesses the ability to divide or unite collective groups, and has played an important role in many historical events.
In general, nationalism can be defined as a sentiment based on common cultural characteristics that binds a population and often produces a policy of national independence or separatism (Dictionary.com, 2012). The nationalist movement in Quebec has been known to be one of the most powerful national movements in the developed West (Meadwell, 1993). Quebec is an ideal example of a sub-state nation that has claimed the right to sovereignty from a federal state. The reason for this is that provinces within the Canadian federal state have particular exclusive constitutional powers, which includes the legislation of social programs. Historically, provincial social policy legislation included health care policies, family policies (affordable
The first point that proves this is how Canada participated in World War I for the bettering of the world. On August 19th, 1914 Sir Robert Borden made a speech officially confirming Canada’s entering into war, however he did not want people to think Canada was going into war for the wrong reasons, so he stated, “Not for love of battle, not for lust of conquest, not for greed of possessions, but for the cause of honour, to maintain solemn pledges, to uphold principles of liberty, to withstand forces that would convert the world into an armed camp; yea, in the very name of the peace that we sought at any cost save that of dishonour, we have entered into this war;”. Sir Borden really makes it clear that Canada was entering war to maintain promises and for peace, these are all the right reasons to enter into war, and Canadians should be proud of this. The second point that shows why Canada’s participation in the two world wars is something to be proud of, is how Canada provided valiant efforts. Canada was a very small country at the time of World War I but still provided so many men and resources to the alliance, “Over the course of the war, more than 1.1 million Canadians served in the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, and in forces across the Commonwealth. More than 44,000 lost their lives and 54,000 were wounded”. Even though
Nationalism, the spirit or aspirations common to the whole of a nation, an importing factor to many countries due to its importance; The people of their nation and their “ality” makes up the country they choose to be and grow in. Citizens showed their nationalism through national anthems and written passages as Russia has done, which contains the saying that they will never be conquered or overthrown (document five). However, due to the utmost prominence of their patriotism reaching out to other countries, it helped cause the First World War, World War I.
The History of Canada and Canadians Canada and World War 1. (n.d.). The History of Canada. Retrieved May 29, 2012, from http://www.linksnorth.com/canada-history/canadaandworldwar1.html
Achieving unity within a country is the most fundamental and central goal of a nation. In order for a county to unite, they must first achieve unification in what values they hold to be important. They also need to be in accordance with one another as to how the country works and how they wish to be governed. These factors help create a region's identity and make it different from areas around it. It is a goal most difficult to accomplish due to the discrepancies between cultures, religions, personal beliefs and many other factors that may exist in that area.
Canada was one of the countries who took part in World War 1. Even though Canada’s role was small in World War 1 it was significant. Men and women were very brave and fearless during the war and did everything they could possibly do. Canadian soldiers participated in one of their successful battles named the battle of Vimy Ridge, women had a very important contribution, and Canada had an incredible contribution to nursing in the First World War. Canada had an important role in World War 1 by participating in Vimy Ridge, women’s important contribution, and nurses effort.
Nationalism is way of thinking both political and socially to create a community united by: history, ethnicity, religions, common culture, and language. Numerous effects occurred while establishing a Nationalist community, some effects were a long term impact on Nationalism, and other was short term impacts on Nationalism.
It has been an extensive journey for the Indigenous population within Canada. Although, research has not established whether they first inhibited Canada, they have resided in this country for longer than one could imagine. The challenges they faced have been unimaginable as well. From invasion of their land, to mistreatment, and the attempt to eliminate the aboriginal culture, they’re hardships are not yet over. Granted, the Canadian government has provided some assistance to the fixation of all complications for the indigenous, however, it has only scarcely improved conditions. To be considered “Indian”, the individual must be registered under the Indian Act, making them a Status Indian. Within this act, Indians are permitted to acquire certain
Nationalism is the idea that a people who have much in common, such as language, culture and geographic proximity ought to organize in such a way that it creates a stable and enduring state. Nationalism is tied to patriotism, and it is the driving force behind the identity of a culture. Nationalism had many effects in Europe from 1815, The Congress of Vienna and beyond. In the following essay I will describe many of the consequences of nationalism on European identity, as well as some of the conflicts that it created.
Growing up with a diverse community makes you realize that Canada is growing and slowly becoming a Multicultural society. Multiculturalism as stated in the textbook, is defined as allowing and accepting different cultures and providing them encouragement and support to keep their culture and diverse traditions (Mintz et al. 2015, 34). In 1971, Canada became the first country in the world to adapt the official policy of multiculturalism. (Government of Canada. “Canadian Multiculturalism: An Inclusive Citizenship” 2012). Canada grants all residents of Canadian citizens regardless of their “racial or ethnic origins, their language, or their religious affiliation”. (Government of Canada. “Canadian Multiculturalism: An Inclusive Citizenship”