Nationalism – SS1 Civic Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Nationalism is a strong feeling of loyalty and attachment to one’s nation, together with a sense of common unity, identity and aspirations among its people.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define nationalism.
2. State the main features of nationalism.
3. Name some Nigerian nationalists and state what each did.
4. Name some African nationalists outside Nigeria.
5. State the factors that led to nationalism in Nigeria.
6. State the effects of nationalism in Nigeria.

What is nationalism?

Nationalism is loyalty and devotion to one’s nation, with the belief that its people should govern themselves.

• Common identity: a feeling of unity among people who share a language, history and culture.
• Patriotic activity: the actions of enlightened citizens to assert their right to take part in governing their own country.
• Belief in the nation: the belief that the interests of a nation-state come first.
• Self-rule: the belief that a people with a shared history and culture should form an independent nation, free of foreign domination.
• Loyalty: the devotion of an individual or group to a nation.

What is the difference between nationalism and patriotism?

Nationalism is a movement and belief that a people should rule themselves. Patriotism is love for one’s country shown in everyday actions.

What are the features of nationalism?

• Love of country: citizens take pride in their nation.
• Unity: people put the nation above ethnic or group interests.
• Demand for self-government: people reject control by foreign rulers.
• Shared symbols: the flag, anthem, pledge and national language bind people together.
• Sacrifice: nationalists accept hardship, arrest or exile for the nation.

What factors led to nationalism in Nigeria?

Nationalism in Nigeria grew from resentment of colonial rule, together with new ideas and experiences that gave Nigerians courage to demand freedom.

• Colonial rule: Nigerians resented foreign control of their land and affairs.
• Racial discrimination: Nigerians were kept out of senior jobs and often paid less than Europeans.
• Western education: educated Nigerians learnt about democracy and self-government.
• Second World War: ex-servicemen returned with new ideas and little fear of Europeans.
• The press: newspapers spread nationalist ideas and criticised colonial policies.
• Examples from abroad: independence movements in other countries, such as Ghana, encouraged Nigerians.

What methods did Nigerian nationalists use?

Nigerian nationalists used peaceful and constitutional methods to press for self-government.

• Political parties: they formed parties to contest elections and speak for the people.
• Newspapers: they published papers to teach the public and criticise colonial policy.
• Speeches and rallies: they addressed crowds to build support for independence.
• Petitions and delegations: they sent demands and representatives to the colonial government.
• Constitutional conferences: they took part in talks that drew up new constitutions.

Who are some nationalists in Nigeria?

Nigeria’s nationalists include traders, journalists, lawyers and party leaders who worked for self-rule.

What are the key events in Nigerian nationalism?

Nigerian nationalism moved from early party formation in the 1920s to independence on 1 October 1960.

Who are some African nationalists outside Nigeria?

• Dr Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana): led the Gold Coast to independence as Ghana in 1957.
• Dr Julius Nyerere (Tanzania): led Tanganyika to independence and later became President of Tanzania.
• Dr Nelson Mandela (South Africa): fought apartheid, spent years in prison and later became President.

What were the effects of nationalism in Nigeria?

1. Political parties: it gave rise to the growth of political parties.
2. Political awareness: it quickened political consciousness among the people.
3. Constitutional development: it led to constitutional changes that moved Nigeria towards independence in 1960.
4. Nigerianisation: it allowed Nigerians to hold responsible posts under the motto “Nigeria for Nigerians”.
5. Economic participation: it encouraged citizens to take part in the economic activities of their own country.
6. Education: it helped to improve the educational system.
7. The press: it encouraged the growth of nationalist newspapers.
8. Inspiration: it inspired citizens to work for the good and strength of the nation.

How can students show nationalism today?

Students show nationalism by loyalty to Nigeria and respect for what unites its people.

• National symbols: respect the flag, sing the anthem and recite the pledge with sincerity.
• Unity: treat classmates of every ethnic group and religion as equals.
• Public property: care for school and community facilities.
• Civic duties: obey laws, vote when of age and take part in community service.
• Honesty: reject cheating, bribery and other acts that harm the nation.

Evaluation

1. Define nationalism.
2. Name four Nigerian nationalists.
3. Name three African nationalists outside Nigeria and their countries.
4. State four effects of nationalism in Nigeria.
5. State three factors that led to nationalism in Nigeria.

Assignment

Explain, in your own words, any five effects of nationalism in Nigeria.