The Evolution Of Nationalism In Nigeria(1914-2014)

Nationalism is a social thought and social movement,and it is make an important role of the national political stability,economic development and social prosperity.At the period of the late 19 century and the early 20 century,Africa was parcelled out among the Western powers.Colonizers broke the traditional political structure,which is the role of ethnic group.European countries built a lot of multi-ethnic colonies,and many cross-border ethnic groups emerged in Africa.At the same time,Edward Blyden put forward the idea of African Nationalism which is called "African personality".Some of African countries have been independent in the middle of the 20 century,so how to improve national identification and to promote modern national political stability became one of the main concerns of most new African countries.This essay is focus on Nigeria.Nigeria is the most populous country of Africa,and it has more than 250 ethnic groups.Ethnic tension and tribalism are make a big role in Nigeria which is influenced by historical factors and national development process.This essay focuses the development of Nigerian nationalism from 1914 to 2014 with historical evolution.The 100 years was divided into four period:the rise and development of Nigerian nationalism,and the relationship between nationalism and national independence during the colonial period;the tribalism development in Nigerian government,army and parties,and its impact on the country’s political development at the earliest days of independence;Governments to promote on politics,economic and culture reforms after the civil war;the new challenges on Nigerian nationalism development and national-state building at the Nigeria Fourth Republic.The essay studies on the evolution of Nigeria nationalism from the colonial period,and it is shows four points.Firstly,Nigerian nationalism development influenced by African nationalism and Pan-Africanism in the colonial period.After the World War Ⅱ,students,workers and elites became Nigerian nationalism participants,and nationalism parties developed very soon.Secondly,tribalism and regionalism replaced state nationalism because of national independence.Northern People’s Congress(NPC),National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons(NCNC)and Action Group(AG)represented the interests of Hausa-Fulani People,Igbo People and Yoruba People.Ethnic Conflict developed in Nigerian army,eventually leading to the Biafra War.Thirdly,after the civil war Nigeria regime alternated frequently.At the same time,governor recognized that tribalism is the greatest harm for national integration and did some efforts on politics,economic and culture to promote national identity.Fourthly,Nigeria created democratic election system after 1999.The stable politics provides an opportunity to develop economy and society,but Boko Haram became the biggest challenge for Nigeria political stability and economic development.Nigeria’s domestic political,economic and society realities show state nationalism,regionalism,tribalism and ultra-nationalist will still exist for a long time.But with the economic development and political system improvement step by step,nationalism will gradually integrate regionalism and tribalism.At the same time,the federal government cooperates with international community to combat terrorism.The history of Nigerian nationalism development proves if people work together to promote state nationalism conception Nigeria will become an influential modern nation-state.