ABSTRACT
Despite many illuminating volumes published on the subject, it remains unclear why the sanctity of the nation-state was the major ideological tenet to arise out of the political culture of nineteenth-century Europe. What is clear, however, is that this ideology possessed vast ramifications for the future of the continent. Much that came out of nationalism has proven not beneficial, and certainly not constructive. The strident ideology, because it serves as a convenient warrant for savage behavior, has been responsible for much human suffering. It has been rightly stigmatized for its role in justifying the violent wars and political terror that overtook Europe beginning in 1914. Certainly the visible wreckage in 1918 and 1945 of what had once held so much promise leaves us not a little perplexed and calls urgently for an understanding as to why such a calamity befell Europe.
