Romantic nationalism
Romantic nationalism (also known as national romanticism, organic nationalism, identity nationalism) is the form of nationalism in which the state derives its political legitimacy as an organic entity of the unity of those it governs. This includes, depending on the particular manner of practice, the language, race, culture, religion and customs of the "nation" in its primal sense of those who were born within its culture. This form of nationalism arose in reaction to dynastic or imperial hegemony, which assessed the legitimacy of the state from the "top down", emanating from a monarch or other privileged authority, which justified its existence, by "divine right."
Among the key themes of Romanticism, and its most enduring legacy, the cultural assertions of romantic nationalism have also been central in post-Enlightenment art, literature and political philosophy. From its earliest stirrings, with their focus on the development of national languages and folklore, and the spiritual value of local customs and traditions, to the movements that would redraw the map of Europe and lead to calls for "self-determination" of nationalities, nationalism was one of the key issues in Romanticism, determining its roles, expressions and meanings.
Some descriptions emphasize political aspects, in particular during the "Romantic era" when Romanticism was at its peak, such as nationalist support for the creation of nation states, such as in Germany and Italy. Other descriptions emphasize cultural/arts aspects, such as increased interests in one's own people and its history, culture, and folklore, as well as romantic, nationalist art influenced by this, sometimes referred to as National Romanticism.
