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Ethnicity and Nationhood. AP Human Geography. Ethnicity Reviewed. As we previously discussed, ethnicity refers to the cultural background of a group of people, as opposed to race, which refers to physical/ biological background.
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Ethnicity and Nationhood AP Human Geography
Ethnicity Reviewed • As we previously discussed, ethnicity refers to the cultural background of a group of people, as opposed to race, which refers to physical/ biological background. • Therefore, people of the same ethnic group may have the same religion, language, customs/ traditions, clothing, music/ art, clothing, etc.
Ethnicity and Nationality • Cultural similarities within an ethnic group typically lead to a strong sense of togetherness and unity. • In an effort to preserve their culture, many ethnic groups seek self-determination, which is the right to self-government. • When an ethnic group becomes a country, they become known as a nationality. • Multiple ethnicities within a country can lead to conflict and in many cases, violence.
What is a nation-state? • Ethnic groups may seek to create a nation-state, which is a country dominated by one ethnicity. • Essentially, the boundaries of a country are drawn around an ethnic group. • This allows an ethnic group to govern themselves based on their own values and culture. • Examples: Japan, most of Europe, Israel, former Yugoslavia
Multi-Ethnic State • A multi-ethnic state is any country with many different ethnic groups living in its borders. • Typically, these groups co-exist peacefully, but sometimes ethnic groups want to break away and form their own states. • Examples: USA!, Russia
Multi-National State • A state made up of two or more nations (ethnic groups) with self- determination. • Ex. United Kingdom, made up of England, Wales, Scotland and N. Ireland
Stateless Nation • An ethnic group/ nation with no country of it’s own. • Often spread over many countries. • Ex. Palestinians, Kurds
Centripetal vs. Centrifugal Forces Centripetal (towards the center) Centrifugal (away from the center) Anything that divides a country Cultural differences Weak central government Regional over national pride • Anything that unites a country • Nationalism (pride) • Songs, flags • Same lang/ religion/etc. • Sports • Common history • Strong leader/ government
Yugoslavia and Balkanization • The former Yugoslavia is an excellent example of a multi-ethnic country that broke apart into many smaller nation-states. • Where? Balkan Peninsula (SE Europe, north of Greece) • When? Yugoslavia was created after WWI. • Who? Many ethnic groups, inc. Bosnians, Albanians, Croats, Serbians, Slovenes. Also, different religions (Christianity, Islam) and languages. • On paper, a recipe for conflict.
Yugoslavia and Balkanization • Yugoslavia was held together by a strong dictator (centripetal force), Joseph (Josip) Tito from 1953-1980. • Tito kept the various ethnic/ religious group from fighting each other. • After Tito’s death in 1980, various groups began fighting for power and land, resulting in war and genocide (ethnic cleansing) • The break up of a state into many smaller states based on ethnic divisions is known as balkanization. • Today, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herz, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Macedonia are all independent nation-states.