German and American Nationalism: A Comparative Perspective

In this illuminating comparative study, three generations of leading American and German scholars explore the phenomenon of nationalism in Germany and the United States, from the Declaration of Independence to the fall of the Berlin Wall. The book identifies and defines the similarities and differences between American nationalism, based on an ideology of inherent rights and faith in the ‘American dream’, and the ‘blood and soil’ nationalism of Germany. In the process, contributors encounter striking differences between the role of national symbols and the representation of the nation in both countries, and equally revealing parallels regarding the role of political and social movements, as well as the way in which colonial aggression has been related to a nationalistic discourse at home.This interdisciplinary book focuses on five areas:politics (American republicanism and German monarchism)culture (art, architecture, and the arts)warfare and militarismthe writing of national historythe role of political and social movementsThis book not only represents a major contribution to studies of German and American history, but, through the uniqueness of its comparative approach, provides profound insights into the concept of nationalism and signals the way for future comparative research.