How did nationalism become a major political force after the late 18th century?

Nationalism emerged as a major political force after the late 18th century through a combination of complex social, economic, and intellectual developments that shifted the source of political legitimacy from monarchs to the people.1

Key factors driving this transformation included:

• Political Reorganization: The rise of large, centralized states under absolute monarchs dismantled traditional feudal allegiances, creating unified territorial units that eventually became identified as the "fatherland" or "motherland".1
• The French Revolution: This pivotal event replaced the divine right of kings with the sovereignty of the people. By promoting democratic values and sweeping away aristocratic and clerical privileges, the Revolution matured the concept of the nation-state, which became the dominant vehicle for governance.1234
• Cultural Nationalism: Poets and scholars played a crucial role by elevating vernacular languages and exploring national histories, which provided the cultural foundation for political claims to statehood.1
• Economic and Social Change: The growth of commerce and the Industrial Revolution necessitated larger, more integrated territorial units to support the rising middle classes, while the secularization of education further weakened older religious and sectarian ties.12

Ultimately, nationalism became a passionate, emotional force that defined the state as the people's state, fundamentally altering the global political landscape.14