Free Nationalism During World War II Argumentative Essay Sample

When considering nationalism and ultranationalism during World War II, I strongly believe that the United States were protecting and defending their nation. I strongly believe that nationalism is important because it helps a country become more united. People are more focused on one common idea and everyone is shooting for this common goal which seems to also increase patriotism. It is a positive impact on society in the United States.
However, there were several countries who were involved in World War II and it is imperative to look at the involvement that each country had to truly understand nationalism and how it related to all countries which took part. Also, nationalism was probably the most likely cause of World War II. Hitler and the Holocaust were all caused by nationalism which eventually led to World War II. He had the ultimate goal of the Nazi’s getting the German land back. Other countries just followed suit, doing what each country had to do in order to keep their people safe, their military strong, and for the political agenda to either be defended or promoted depending on which country was on which side of the war.
While many countries were involved in World War II, the perspective of nationalism in French Canada was that there were many manifestations which actually started during World War I. Many ramifications come as the result of nationalism. There are not just political impacts and social impacts but there are also factors that include cultural and economic consequences. The nations divide and attempt to conquer. The countries involved all felt economic changes as their militias were developed and many women and children were left home to do the jobs that men usually did.
Within Canada itself, there is a distinction of the French speaking population. The culture completely became altered. There were those who were more rooted in English culture and began to speak English. Then there were the people within Canada who still decided to cling to their French heritage. These types of strains can lead to social and economic crises due to the differences in which one country would prefer to be ruled and determines the governing body as well as the rest of the areas of society in Canada.
Within Canada, there even seemed to be a distinction of different types of French Canadian nationalism. Much of this depended on the time frame. Also, most of these definitive differences actually came after World War II. Prior to the war, many French Canadian nationalists were more conservative. Eventually, there were those who became more liberal, social democrat, and socialist over time.
Ultranationalism is a phenomenon that can be too intense for people and it is used by those in politics for what could be their own agendas. Sometimes the people in power call those shots and it is a power trip and does not really do anyone any good in the long term. The atomic bombs were the United States showing egotism and their muscle. It is fortunate that Canada was a bit of a spectator in the arms war. This is especially true because Canada was more inclined to be more conservative with the decisions. Of course, Canada was allies with other countries during World War II because it was necessary for each country to join a side or to be demolished. No one wanted war on their ground if they could keep from it. It was too expensive to clean up the mess.
Who I think showed the most ultranationalism during World War II was the Japanese. They took great pride in destroying the United States during the war and used numerous tactical methods to plan attacks on the country. I agree that for the United States, strong nationalism was very binding and positive. However, the country was being obliterated when others were fighting on our turf. However, ultranationalism was shown when the United States decided to drop an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. I think that was exaggerated arrogance on the behalf of our politicians. However, the Japanese fired back and they tore up Pearl Harbor to the point where it was catastrophic for the United States. Again, we were fortunate that as Canadians, we were more of a backup crew rather than right in the middle of the action of all that was going on between these major countries who were involved. It was like a game of dodgeball and everyone picked sides and no country wanted to be on the losing side. We just wanted to protect our country and become allies with those who could likely better serve our nationalism promoted political agenda.
In the end, ultranationalism is like a bad arm wrestling match where no one wins. Nationalism is just an agenda for the greater good without less tragic results. In summary, there might be a discrepancy over what ultranationalism is and what nationalism is and even right now, and we can see that some form of nationalism is required in the country today, much like it was used in World War II, particularly in the race for the presidential seat. We will also likely see it used in the future more and more as powerful leaders utilize it to get what they need, or want, for their countries.