Nationalism Short and Long Important Question Class 11 Political Science Chapter-7 Book-Political Theory
0Team Eklavyaजून 09, 2025
1. What is nationalism?
Answer:
Nationalism is a political and social ideology that believes that a particular nation should have the right to its independence, identity and self-governance. This ideology unites the people, but at times also causes conflict and division.
2. What are the major effects of nationalism?
Answer:
1. National Integration - Small states were unified and nation-states were formed.
2. Colonial independence – Colonies in Asia and Africa gained independence.
3. Fall of Empires - British, French, Austro-Hungarian and Russian empires collapsed.
4. Separatist movements – Some groups demanded a separate nation (Quebecians of Canada, Basques, Tamils, Kurds, etc.).
5. Wars and Conflicts – Nationalist ideology led to many wars and partitions.
3. What is the difference between nation and other social groups?
Answer:
4. How is a nation formed?
Answer:
1. Shared Trust – A nation is not a material thing but it is based on the trust of the people.
2. Historical memories – The identity of a nation is linked to the events and achievements of the past.
3. Geography and National Sentiment – Historical beliefs associated with a particular region strengthen the national sentiment.
4. Political Unity – The unity of the nation is based on democratic principles and civil rights.
5. What is the history of nationalism?
Answer:
1. Europe in the 19th century- Italy and Germany were unified.
2. Colonial independence – New nations were formed in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
3. Conflicts of the 20th century- World Wars I and II were influenced by nationalist ideas.
4. Modern Nationalism – Even today many nationalist movements are going on, like Scotland, Kashmir, Kurdistan etc.
6. What challenges does nationalism face?
Answer:
1. Rights of minorities – Many times the majority community uses nationalism for its own benefit.
2. Separatist movements – Some groups demand a separate nation, which leads to conflict.
3. Cultural diversity – The definition of nationalism is often based on a single language, religion, or ethnicity, which can cause problems in diverse societies.
4. Global problems – In today’s time, problems like climate change, global economy and migration cannot be solved only with nationalistic approach.
7. What are the main examples of nationalist struggles?
Answer:
1. Quebecers of Canada – Demand for the French-speaking Quebec province to become a separate nation.
2. Basques of Northern Spain – movement for independence from Spain.
3. Kurds of Turkey and Iraq – demand for independent Kurdistan.
4. Tamils of Sri Lanka – Tamil separatist movement.
5. Kashmir dispute – conflict of national identity between India and Pakistan.
8. What is the relationship between nationalism and pluralism?
Answer:
Nationalism often emphasizes cultural uniformity, while pluralism embraces diversity.
Democratic nations accept pluralism and provide rights to minorities.
In a country like India, nationalism persists despite the diversity of religion, language and culture.
9. What is the meaning of national self-determination?
Answer:
National self-determination means that a nation should have the right to determine its own political, social and economic policies. This principle has been the basis of many independence movements, but it has also led to many conflicts.
10. What are the major challenges to national self-determination?
Answer:
1. Redrawing of boundaries – Many times separatist groups demand new boundaries, which leads to disputes.
2. Status of Minorities – If a new nation is formed, minorities may face discrimination there.
3. Political instability – Self-determination at times leads to civil wars and conflicts.
4. Economic Challenges – New nations may find it difficult to become economically stable.
11. What are the characteristics of nationalism in India?
Answer:
1. Pluralistic Nationalism – India has the feeling of being one nation despite having different religions, languages and cultures.
2. Constitution based nationalism – The Indian Constitution gives equal rights to all citizens.
3. Secularism – No religion is the basis of national identity in India.
4. Democratic System – In India the government is elected through democratic elections.
12. What is the difference between nationalism and globalization?
Answer:
13. What does global citizenship mean?
Answer:
Global citizenship means that a person is a citizen of the world, not just of his or her nation. This idea is important for solving global problems, such as climate change, human rights, and the refugee crisis.
14. What are the future prospects of nationalism?
Answer:
1. Democratic Nationalism – In future it would be necessary to make nationalism democratic and inclusive.
2. Global Cooperation - Nations must increase international cooperation while maintaining their identity.
3. Digital Nationalism – Social media and the Internet have created new forms of nationalism, which are influencing politics and society.
4. Shared global identity – Striking a balance between nationalism and global citizenship will be important in the future.
15. What is the relationship between nationalism and democracy?
Answer:
Democracy provides stability and inclusiveness to nationalism.
In democracy, citizens get the opportunity to choose the government and protect their rights.
If nationalism becomes narrow or intolerant, it can pose a threat to democracy.