Define nationalism with factors which help …

Following are the factors which led to the rise of Nationalism in Europe:

1. Decline of feudalism: Feudal lords were a great tumbling block in the way of the rise of the nationalism feelings among the people. But their mutual warfare and crusades weakened them.
2. Weakness of Papacy and the Roman Empire: The renaissance and reformation movements led to awakening among the people and weakened the authority of the pope and the Holy Roman Empire. Consequently, national churches and national states were established in many countries.
3. Foreign rule: In certain countries, foreign rule also played an important part in the growth of nationalism.
4. Reaction against injustice: Sometimes reaction against the arbitrary rule of unjust monarchs also gave birth to the feeling of nationalism.
5. Contribution of great writers: The writings of great poets, politicians and philosophers like Machiavelli, J.S. Mill, Fitch, Mazzini, Garibaldi etc. went a long way in rousing political consciousness and national sprit among the people.