What Role Does Violence Play In The American Revolution

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Nationalism, the strong identification with, and admiration for, one's nation, often emerges from shared experiences, beliefs, and a collective sense of identity. While some may argue that nationalism can be cultivated through peaceful means, a closer examination reveals that violence has been a consistent catalyst in the formation of this nationalistic activity. Violence, through its ability to evoke unity, pride, and fear, is an indispensable tool in the establishment of nationalism.

One of the primary functions of violence in fostering nationalism is its ability to unite different groups under a common cause. History provides numerous examples of how conflict and war have brought people together in defense of their nation. Consider the case of the United States during the American Revolution.
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The shadow of external threats and internal turmoil often serves as a powerful tool for increasing public support and empowering state authorities. Governments frequently employ fear-mongering tactics to rally citizens around the flag, portraying the nation as surrounded by enemies and in need of collective defense. For instance, governments throughout history have exploited crises and conflicts to suppress rebellion and consolidate their power. The rise of authoritarian regimes, such as Nazi Germany, shows this. The Nazi regime rose by taking advantage of citizen hardships resulting from World War I, such as extreme poverty, experiences of discrimination and xenophobia, and grief, and ‘uniting’ the Germans through utilizing their fear and pain, and illustrating themselves as the only hope for the country. They set up Germany as the ultimate victim and other countries as awful villains, this setup nationalistic ideas of superiority. These kinds of situations paint a clear picture of how fear and violence can be manipulated to sustain nationalist ideas and suffocate