“Nationalism involves a strong identification of a group of individuals with a political entity defined in national terms, that is, a nation” (Nationalism) . Nationalism can lead one to believe that one's state is naturally better than all other states. It's not good. This allows the government to control people through their sense of nationalism. World War I and World War II can be linked to nationalism. Nationalism is bad because it allows government control, it causes bad feelings of superiority and the downsides of negative nationalism. Political scientists argue that there is a clear difference between state and nation. The state refers to the government and other agencies that control the country, and “the nation, on the other hand, is a psychological characteristic with which individuals identify” (Hauss). “Japan, Italy, and especially Germany were all led by leaders who emphasized unsatisfied nationalist goals and grievances in the years before fighting broke out in 1939” (Hauss). “The German nationalism that began to develop before World War II was one of the main motivations for many individuals who joined the Nazi Party led by Adolf Hitler” (Motivations Behind the Holocaust). Hitler was able to use his incredible oratorical skills to manipulate people into agreeing with him (Motivations Behind the Holocaust). “Nationalism emphasizes collective identity: a “people” must be autonomous, united and express a unique national culture. However, some nationalists emphasize that individualism is an important element of their own national identity” (Nationalism). This was not the case for Germany. The First World War devastated Germany. The country was in a horrible state and had to pay reparations for the war in accordance with the Treaty of Versailles...... middle of paper ...... nationalism can prevent individuals from seeing the flaws in their government and their country. Nationalism can be used to control them while they are blinded to what is really happening. Nationalism leads to fighting and attempts to dominate countries considered inferior due to nationalistic thoughts. Nationalism is harmful and damaging to the world. Works Cited “Good and Bad Nationalism”. The American perspective. Np, and Web. May 4, 2014.Hauss, Charles. "Nationalism | Beyond intractability." Nationalism | Beyond intractability. Np, and Web. May 4, 2014. “Motivations Behind the Holocaust: German Nationalism and Economic Growth.” Mtholyoké. Np, and Web. May 4, 2014. “Nationalism, good or bad? Debate question:. Internet. May 13, 2014. “Nationalism”. Princeton University. Np, and Web. May 4, 2014. “History of nationalism”. Info please. Info please. Internet. May 13 2014.