Nationalism has been a major force in world history since the time of the French Revolution in 1789. It is a powerful force which taps into people's feelings of pride, fear and hatred and has been behind the formation of nation states, the collapse of colonialism and the creation of new countries. This book traces the story of nationalism and nation states from their rise in Europe and America in the late eighteenth century to the continuing conflicts that they cause today. It also looks at the relationship between nationalism and other significant twentieth century ideas such as fascism and communism.

Author Biography

Richard Tames has a Master,s Degree in politics form Birkbeck College, London, and was formerly the Secretary to the Council of the Hansard Society for Parliamentary Government. He was also a founder member of the Politics Association. He has written many books for young people on modern world history.