Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

In its early phase, nationalism in Europe was linked to liberal-democratic ideals — freedom, equality, constitutional government, and the consent of the governed. However, by the last quarter of the nineteenth century, nationalism changed significantly:

1. Narrow creed: It lost its idealistic liberal-democratic character and became a narrow creed with limited, self-serving ends.
2. Intolerance and aggression: Nationalist groups grew increasingly intolerant of each other and were eager to go to war.
3. Tool of imperialism: Major European powers manipulated nationalist aspirations of subject peoples to further their own imperialist aims, eventually leading to disaster in 1914.

Source: Chapter 1 — Nationalism in Europe, Section 6 (Nationalism and Imperialism)

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Examiners look for a clear contrast between early liberal nationalism (freedom, equality, constitutional rights) and the later aggressive, intolerant form. Three points are ideal for 3 marks: the shift to a narrow creed, intolerance/war-readiness, and use by imperial powers. Avoid writing vague generalities — use the textbook's exact language like "narrow creed with limited ends" and "manipulated nationalist aspirations."