Nationalism in European Civilization - The Construction of National Identities

Explore the complex phenomenon of nationalism in European history through this 51-minute lecture from Yale University's "European Civilization, 1648-1945" course. Examine the concept of "imagined communities" and how national identities were constructed in the 19th century, with a focus on language and consciousness. Investigate the development of nationalism in Eastern Europe, using Lithuania and Belarus as case studies. Analyze the complexities of multi-linguistic and multi-cultural national identities in countries like Belgium and Switzerland. Conclude by examining the factors that contributed to the stability of the Austro-Hungarian Empire despite its diverse ethnic makeup. Gain insights into the historical roots of 20th-century ethnic and national conflicts, and understand how national identity is not an inherent characteristic but a relatively recent construct in many European contexts.