Meaning: The quote by Christian Lange, a politician, touches upon the concept of the formation of the state and the role of national feeling in its creation. The quote suggests that it was only in the nineteenth century, and primarily in Europe, that forms of the state were deliberately shaped by a sense of national identity or national feeling. This idea raises important questions about the historical development of nation-states and the impact of national sentiment on political structures.

During the nineteenth century, Europe witnessed significant political and social changes, including the rise of nationalism as a powerful force in shaping the identities of various nations. Nationalism, in this context, refers to the belief in the importance of a shared cultural, linguistic, or historical heritage among a group of people, which often leads to the desire for self-governance and the establishment of a sovereign state. This period saw the emergence of nation-states, where the boundaries of political entities came to coincide with the boundaries of national communities.

Before this time, the formation of states was often driven by factors such as conquest, inheritance, or the interests of ruling elites, rather than by a deliberate sense of national identity. In many cases, states were multi-ethnic or multi-cultural entities, encompassing diverse populations with varying linguistic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. The idea of a unified nation with a shared identity and common aspirations was not the primary driving force behind state formation.

The quote implies that the deliberate cultivation of national feeling played a pivotal role in shaping the modern nation-state. This suggests that the emergence of nation-states in Europe during the nineteenth century was not merely a result of historical accident or geopolitical dynamics, but rather a conscious effort to establish political entities that reflected and represented the aspirations of distinct national communities.

The impact of national feeling on state formation can be observed in various historical events, such as the unification of Italy and Germany in the mid-19th century. In both cases, the creation of unified nation-states was driven by the desire to consolidate fragmented territories and populations under a common national identity. This process involved the mobilization of nationalist sentiments and the cultivation of a shared sense of belonging among the diverse regional populations.

Furthermore, the quote highlights the Eurocentric nature of this phenomenon, suggesting that the deliberate creation of states based on national feeling was primarily a European development during the nineteenth century. This observation raises important questions about the global relevance and applicability of the concept of the nation-state and the role of national sentiment in state formation beyond the European context.

In conclusion, Christian Lange's quote underscores the significance of national feeling in the formation of modern states, particularly during the nineteenth century in Europe. It invites further exploration of the historical, social, and political factors that contributed to the emergence of nation-states and the role of nationalism in shaping political identities. Understanding the interplay between national feeling and state formation provides valuable insights into the complexities of modern political structures and the enduring influence of nationalism on global affairs.