The Genesis of European Nationalism

Author

• Linda J. Thayne, Utah State University

Date of Award

5-1999

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Departmental Honors

Department

History

Abstract

In the aftermath of the second world war to ravage Europe in a single generation, there emerged a conviction among many of the economic, political and social leaders of the most powerful nation-states of Europe and the United States that an equitable resolution to Europe's long standing national suspicions, hatreds and rivalries was crucial to prevent further warfare. For these Europeanists the means for effecting long-term peace and prosperity in Europe was the formation of an integrated European regime. Europeanists believed that the key to achieving this goal rested in their ability to intertwine the national interests of Europe's nation-states sufficiently to compel cooperation. Since the end of World War II Europeanists have labored to bring all of the nation-states of territorial Europe under the umbrella of one European regime, now known as the European Union. In the process, Europeanists came to realize that the integration of national interests alone was insufficient. Unifying Europe would require the creation of a European consciousness among Europe's people.

Recommended Citation

Thayne, Linda J., "The Genesis of European Nationalism" (1999). Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects. 1055.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/honors/1055