Individual and Society During the Great War Period :: Essays Papers

idiosyncratic and Society During the Great War Period The concept of nationalism amongst European countries grew throughout the19th century and was maintained during the Great War. People began to see themselves as part of a nation, which came before the individual(a). As a solution of this, individual freedoms, rights, and ideas were dismissed in order to solidify the nationalistic society. Nationalistic attitudes were infix in the minds and hearts of the public by way of propaganda, education, and optical fusion. People were chthonic the belief that unification was necessary for the progression of their country, and were willing to give their lives for this ideal. This fin on the wholey led to the beginning of the Great War. The imposition of national unity restrict people from being individuals, separate from the whole of society, with their own beliefs, ideals, and freedoms. Nationalism purposefully limited them by creating a central norm which not all people were willing or able to adhere to. Peoples rights and freedoms were slowly whittled by at by the states entrance into their lives. The state did this in many ways. The word-painting of a distinct language and culture were done through the employment of schools. They also accomplished this through programs and common goals. As a result of the growing number of schools and literate people, printed materials advocating nationalism and patriotism aided in this development.(1)Patriotism and loyalty to the state were instilled at an early age in the hope that the child would carry them through to adulthood. Peoples trust and dependence on the authorities increased during this period, increasing its power and influence over their lives. People believed that they were bonny unified in order to protect their common freedoms and their countrys opportunity for progression. This unification of individuals into one body gave them the strength of a common bond. This would cause them to brook behind th eir nation, and put it above all else. The feelings that nationalism ignited indoors people, such as patriotism and loyalty to ones country, both aided in the development of World War I, and were used as ammunition by the rulers to enhance peoples willingness to give their lives to the country through battle. People no agelong viewed themselves as individuals, but rather, part of the nation. During the Great War, individual needs were great deal aside for the good of the nation. This was carved into the minds and hearts of the soldiers as well as those that were back at home.