Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Did nationalism predate nation states?
Position‹3 of 3

Nationalism and nation states go hand-in-hand.

This position holds that nationalism and nation states emerged hand in hand, neither preceding the other. It argues both grew out of a new awareness of geography—shaped by fifteenth-century mapmaking and exploration—that defined territories and the peoples within them.

Supporting arguments · 1

  1. Both nationalism and nation states were created by an awareness of geography
    In the fifteenth century, with the development of widespread land and sea transport, people began to develop a stronger awareness of geography and where people existed, meaning nationalism and nation states developed as these oppositions were established.