The Emergence of Cultural Nationalism

1. The Emergence of Cultural Nationalism Ian Loehr

2. What is Cultural Nationalism? • “A feeling that people have of being loyal to and proud of their country often with the belief that it is better and more important than other countries.” • Merriam Webster’s Definition of Nationalism • Cultural Nationalism is aform of Nationalism in which a culture is defined by a shared trait or cultural aspect. • A midpoint between Ethnic and Liberal Nationalism

3. Ethnic and Liberal Nationalism • Ethnic Nationalism- A form of Nationalism where the nation is defined in terms of ethnicity or race. • Liberal Nationalism- A form of Nationalism which believes in non-xenophobic ideals for a nation in conjunction to freedom, tolerance, equality, and individual rights. • Cultural Nationalism uses a combination of these sets of ideals to establish a cultural identity.

4. Post-Revolution America • Mass Western Expansion • Caused conflict with Native Americans • America began to achieve economic stability • Craftsmen began to trade in their craft for business • Artisans search for classical and revivalist art • Cultural institutions are established to promote the emerging art and culture of America • Political Parties formed and rose to prominence • Republican and Federalist Parties

5. The Emergence of Cultural Nationalism • Americans were free to express their cultural identities • Sought to create a cultural identity that could be identified with being American • Liberty, Freedom, and Equality (As long as you were a white male) • Individual Rights • The right to privacy • The right to worship • The right to vote and the right to speak out on political issues

6. Indications of Cultural Nationalism • Greater participation in political events • American Literature glorifying the ideals of American Nationalism being published • Movement West to expand the boundaries of the nation • Americans fighting to expand their ethnic boundaries • Northern policies of slow abolition

7. The Importance of Cultural Nationalism • Helped to define new nation • Gave identity to new collection of people • Gave meaning to being an American • Brought about a feeling of intense pride amongst the people in their country