Dr. Jose Rizal's theory of nationalism promoted the interests of the nation and achieving self-governance. Nationalism is shaped by national identity including culture, language, and religion. Rizal was one of the Filipino elite who demanded reforms from Spain, including Filipinization of churches and equal rights. His writings emphasized the importance of the Tagalog language and impacted the native people's desire for freedom from Spanish abuses. Rizal imagined and planned for a nation of Filipinos in his writings.