At the time of the French Revolution, the idea that people should rule the nation together became popular. Industrialization and social reform ignited the emerging middle class, consisting of laborers, working-class people, businessmen, etc., into realizing their collective interests and national identity. Thus, the idea of nationalism and forming a nation-state to protect the interests of the people emerged.
- Nationalism emerged in the 19th century as a force that brought about sweeping changes in the political world of Europe.
- The end result of these changes was the rise of nation-states in place of the multinational dynastic empires of Europe.
- But a nation-state was one in which most of its citizens, and not just its rulers, came to develop a common identity and a sense of shared history or lineage.
