This document provides guidance on writing a thematic essay about nationalism. It discusses how nationalism has shaped world events over the last 500 years and how individuals have led nationalist movements. It prompts the reader to choose two nationalist leaders and discuss the historical context of their movements, the nations they influenced, and how their actions have continued to impact those nations. The document offers advice on developing an introduction and thesis statement that proves an argument about how nationalism influenced specific countries or regions. It emphasizes selecting a focused thesis that can be supported with evidence about the similar and different ways nationalist leaders inspired their people to create unified states.

1. THEME: Nationalism has been shaping world events for the last
500 years. The desire for self-rule can cause tremendous change
both positively and negatively. Individuals have also played huge
roles in leading nationalistic movements that effect people and
nations.
Thematic Essay
Task: Choose TWO nationalist leaders from your study of Global history,
and
for each one:
Identify the nation or region where that individual led a nationalist
movement
Describe the historical background leading up to that nationalist
movement
Discuss how the actions of the specific nationalist leader have influenced
the region or nation in which the movement took place.

2. Garibaldi Bolivar Napoleon
L’Ouverture Hidalgo Bismarck

3. Thematic Essay Introduction and
Thesis Statement
1. Introduction with thesis – Prove something! DON’T SAY, “Nationalism has influenced
nations like Italy and Germany” Develop – How has it influenced them? What was
the most important reason for success? Strong leader, military, technology, etc.
1. General statement that introduces the topic
and overall theme of the essay
2. Focus in on the particular time/place/people
that your essay will focus on
3. Thesis statement! State the
specific aspect your essay will
prove and the general reasons
that support it. (aim for three)
What
will you
prove?
What
will you
prove?

4. Developing a Thesis
1. Think about major similarities and differences between each nation’s
unification movement (Events, Leaders, etc).
2. Analyze how effective nationalist leaders have utilized Renan’s definition of
nationalism as having a shared past history and a present desire to be
together.
3. Think about causation and impact of major events to help formulate a thesis.
4. Look for possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising
contrasts or similarities), and think about the beneath-the-surface
significance of these relationships.
5. Look for common trends or information. Is there overwhelming
evidence that supports one aspect over another?
6. Make sure your thesis answers the question and attempts to prove
something.
Question: Nationalism has been shaping world events for the last 500
years. The desire for self-rule can cause tremendous change both
positively and negatively. Individuals have also played huge roles in
leading nationalistic movements that effect people and nations.

5. Introduction and Thesis
During the 19th
and 20th
centuries, nationalism has played a major
role in the history of the world. Nationalism is the pride, love, and
devotion a person feels for their nation. It usually develops in a group
of people who share a common history, culture, geographic location
and, most of all, a common cause or belief. At the Congress of Vienna,
the Italians and Germans were two groups of people who were split
apart politically in order to maintain a delicate balance of power in
Europe. However, two great leaders, Garibaldi in Italy and Bismarck in
Germany, used nationalism and military force to inspire their people
and create unified nation-states. Despite these similarities, Garibaldi
displays nationalism when he voluntarily gives up power to ensure his
nation’s unity, while Bismarck abuses nationalism to gain power when
he is selected to be Chancellor of a united Germany.
Start with general topic statement
Thesis
Statement
Includes Two Examples and
the Theme (Nationalism)
Thesis Self Test:
"Did I answer the question?"
"Have I taken a position that others might
challenge or oppose?"
"Does my thesis pass the 'So What?' test?"
“Can I use evidence to support my thesis?”
Narrow
focus to
specific
group or
region.

6. Introduction and Thesis
During the 19th
and 20th
centuries, nationalism has played a major
role in the history of the world. Nationalism is the pride, love, and
devotion a person feels for their nation. It usually develops in a group
of people who share a common history, culture, geographic location
and, most of all, a common cause or belief. At the Congress of Vienna,
the Italians and Germans were two groups of people who were split
apart politically in order to maintain a delicate balance of power in
Europe. However, two great leaders, Garibaldi in Italy and Bismarck in
Germany, used nationalism and military force to inspire their people
and create unified nation-states. Despite these similarities, Garibaldi
displays nationalism when he voluntarily gives up power to ensure his
nation’s unity, while Bismarck abuses nationalism to gain power when
he is selected to be Chancellor of a united Germany.
Start with general topic statement
Thesis
Statement
Includes Two Examples and
the Theme (Nationalism)
Thesis Self Test:
"Did I answer the question?"
"Have I taken a position that others might
challenge or oppose?"
"Does my thesis pass the 'So What?' test?"
“Can I use evidence to support my thesis?”
Narrow
focus to
specific
group or
region.