Nationalism is a political, social and cultural ideology based on the belief that people who share a common identity, history, culture, language or territory should form a united political community, usually within a nation-state. It creates a sense of collective belonging and loyalty towards the nation. Although ideas of collective identity existed in ancient and medieval societies, modern nationalism developed mainly with the transformation of European society from the eighteenth century onwards. The growth of industrial society played an important role in creating the economic, social and political conditions necessary for its emergence. In ancient and medieval societies, political organisation was generally based on kingdoms, empires, dynasties, feudal relationships and religious loyalties rather than national identity. People often identified themselves with their village,