The term nationalism is different from both nation and nationality. Nationalism is the spiritual force which holds a nation in defined territory together for the maintenance of its special and general rights against its arbitrary powers within the state and the preservation of its independence against aggression from outside. It implies spirit of unity or common consciousness among the people which brings and holds them together, and which makes them achieve common objectives or suffer or even sacrifice their lives in the interest of security of the nation. Nationalism further means a man's spiritual attachment to one's country. People who carry the feeling of nationalism are deeply attached to their faith and creed. The country is frequently addressed as 'motherland' or 'fatherland.'
The factors which help the growth of nationalism may be common geographical, historical, political, cultural, racial, religious, economic and linguistic interests which need watching for development, and which create, promote and sustain national feelings. The most important factor of national feeling is geographical unity. It is this unity which exhibits and promotes the pride of possession of a common land, and which may be worshipped as a motherland or a fatherland. Without a sense of pride for coveted homeland, it becomes difficult to develop real national feelings. Geographical unity arouses common interests in many walks of national life - economic, political, social, cultural and educational problems. These problems open up new variegated areas of mutual surroundings and co-operation among the people. People who live together on a common land for a considerably long period devise new ways of living, working and developing common aims, ideals and aspirations.
