Introduction
The movement of people from one place to another influenced a sense of sovereignty among people who are interested in self-governance. Nationalism involves movements that intend to promote a particular country’s interest. Therefore, many independent states that are self-reliant were formed through nationalism.
Discussion
In the 19th century, migration influenced nationalism since increased interactions led to the unity of purpose among citizens in various states. Moreover, migration led to the exchange of ideas, leading to revolutionary movements that were significant for gaining independence in various African countries. However, some acts of migrants, such as slavery and colonialism, interfered with nationalism. While migration activities encouraged nationalism, they suppressed it by denying people the power to self-govern.
Migration activities increased social interactions that allowed locals to realize their essence and the importance of sovereignty. For instance, the migration of Europeans to African countries made the locals doubt the European imperial mission (Tignor et al., 2021). Consequently, Africans migrated to safer areas where they could organize resistance against the European colonialists. Additionally, through migration activities, nationalists recruited new members who were against colonialism. Kinjekitile Ngwale, a young African, is one of the nationalists who moved among different ethnic groups to encourage rebellions against colonialists (Tignor et al., 2021). Therefore, migration promoted unity among different ethnic groups, which was crucial for resistance movements.
Conclusion
Although migration was crucial for nationalism in various jurisdictions, it suppressed the urge for sovereignty among locals. Fear among the locals in Asian and African countries was spread through migration activities (Tignor et al., 2021). As the individuals moved from one part to another, they spread the news on the advanced technology and use of lethal weapons by the Europeans. Consequently, nationalism was discouraged since many were apprehensive of torture and death. Moreover, the European imperialists used the migrants to spread their influence. Some Asians and Africans acted as representatives of the European colonialists who reported any form of resistance while encouraging the locals to embrace Western culture (Tignor et al., 2021). Although migration was significant for nationalism, it negatively influenced the movement.
Reference
Tignor, R. L., Adelman, J., Pollard, E., & Rosenberg, C. (2021). Chapter 18: An unsettled World (1800-1914). In Worlds Together, Worlds Apart: From the Beginnings of Humankind to the Present. W. W. Norton & Company.