Nationalism and Industrialism are two historically significant ideological movements that have shaped and changed people’s perception of society’s inner workings and functions through innovative concepts and systems. These two movements served as factors of change, establishing a revolution of ideas and ideologies that led to rapid cultural changes throughout the United States, Europe, and other western countries.
The difference between Nationalism and Industrialism can be attributed to the areas in which changes are instituted. Nationalism revolves around the concept of a social movement as a proponent of Cultural Revolution. Doctrines regarding political views and perception have created societal standards that subconsciously regulate society.
Industrialism, or the industrial revolution, on the other hand, involves the development of important societal institutions and machinery including transportation, manufacturing, production, and agriculture. The use of new contraptions, machines, and devices has paved the way for significant social and communal changes to occur. The two systems of change advocate for continuous use of intellectual and academic resources as the main determinants for social modification.
Nationalism is an ideological movement that aims to establish a culturally and socially sufficient view of the different elements and variables surrounding a nation. It is a social movement that addresses sentimental ideas in order to bring about significant transformation both in individuals and in the country.
Nationalism has significantly established a permanent cultural change in Europe and other non-western countries, including Russia. As an ideological and social movement, nationalism has greatly impacted the outdated and obsolete political notions found in different European and Western countries during the 17th and 18th centuries. The changes instituted through the existence of nationalism have addressed issues such as unequal citizen rights and abuse of authority by politicians and royalty.
One of the greatest social movements that occurred in France during the 18th century was the birth and validation of Nationalism as a significant social movement. The current political and national views regarding government and society could be attributed to the radical change set in motion by revolutionary Frenchmen who were conscious of societal change addressing concepts such as equality and impartiality as the base for society’s existence and political standards.
The government structure in France greatly favored impartial privileges and rights of aristocrats and church authorities, which led to mass social distress and anger. The feudal system, along with supreme authority linked to total monarchy, were tools used by different people in positions of power to abuse French citizens.
The French Revolution allowed for changes addressing the needs of general population through establishment of citizenship, basic human rights, and essential elements for inalienable equality. The French nationalistic movement allowed for restructuring leadership and management within the country (Brubaker, 1996).
Nationalism has revolutionized social movements and political restructuring in non-western countries. Russia is a prime example of significant change achieved through the integration of ideological movements in society’s social, political, and economic elements. Marxism, one of the great political movements during the late 18th century, paved the way for societal modification revolving around the concept of communism or people’s democracy.” It seeks to refute capitalism, which it views as a means for mass graft and corruption. The popularity of this political movement has spread to neighboring countries such as China, Cuba, and Poland (Becker, 1984).
Industrialism, also known as the industrial revolution, was a period of ideological movement that changed society by paving the way for decades of continuous intellectual and scholarly breakthroughs in different fields such as production, manufacturing, mining, and agriculture. The development of many concepts during this era can be attributed to social and cultural changes. The revolution occurred during the late 18th century up to the mid-19th century. Most advances and innovations took place in Britain where hundreds of inventions established systematic breakthroughs in fields such as transportation, mechanical machinery, and other important institutions.
One of the most notable devices developed during this time is the steam engine which was created by Thomas Savery. It was integrated into transportation and production. Steam engine boats allowed convenient methods of travel throughout long distances within a country while mining became more efficient since transport of materials used steam-powered lifts and rails. Tons of heavy equipment and gathered resources could now be easily brought to any site.
The field of chemistry also blossomed through the discovery and utilization of many chemicals. The most notable innovation in this field during that time was the use of concrete which allowed for a more convenient way to construct buildings, bridges, houses, and other infrastructures.
The Industrial Revolution greatly changed the way people lived. Many of today’s advancements can be traced back to the concepts developed during that time. The socioeconomic conditions around the world have improved drastically since the era of industrialism. Non-western countries, such as Russia and Japan, have also benefited from increased resources for development in line with industrialism. Many significant and important inventions came from these countries.
With the development of Nationalism and Industrialization, constant changes and modifications have been put in place in law and politics to protect the interests of people involved in various sectors. The establishment of the Testimony for the Factory Act of 1833 is a prime example. At that time, economic growth in England was attributed to competition among manufacturers and producers. This act allowed people to see the effects of Industrialism on workers who contributed to manufacturing. Abusive and depressing working conditions were revealed, including hazards that endangered workers’ health. This helped people evaluate different aspects of development in the country.
The impact of industrialization on living conditions is a widely discussed topic. The birth of the industrial revolution had diverse effects on society. Regions with significant manufacturing saw a dramatic increase in population due to increased income and resources brought about by efficient machinery. Improved living conditions led to continuous development in areas such as mobility, ownership, and employment (Pollard, 1981).
References
Becker, S. (1984) Marxist Approaches to Media Studies: The British Experience.
Brubaker, R. (1996). Nationalism Reframed: Nationhood and the National Question in the New Europe. Cambridge University Press.
Pollard, S. (1981). Peaceful Conquest: The Industrialization of Europe, 1760-1970. Oxford University Press.
