Build Your Own Nation

Objective: By completing this assignment, you will explore different ways that nationalism forms
the basis of identity for different groups and peoples in the world.
Assessment: In a group of 3-5 people, you will complete three tasks for this assignment:
1. Flow Charts for Nationalist/Independence Movements or Nation-States
2. Information Package for your own, fictitious/created nation

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You will need to compare the stories of two-different nations or nation-states. You will create a
simple flowchart or diagram to illustrate the key details in the story of each nation or nationstate. Here are the suggested stories to read.
Scottish Nationalism (PDF on Drive)
Unification of Germany & Italy
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/higher/history/nationalism/unification/revision/1/
http://www.flowofhistory.com/units/eme/18/)
Colombian Independence Movements (PDF on Drive)
Czechoslovakian Independence from USSR (PDF on Drive)
Polish Independence from USSR (PDF on Drive)
Tibet Independence Movement (PDF on Drive)
South African - Independence & End of Apartheid (PDF on Drive)
Nigerian Independence & Civil War (PDF on Drive)
South Sudan (PDF on Drive & http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14069082)
You will want to think about and consider what might be common or similar between these
stories. What contributes to the development of nationalism and the formation of nation-states?
You will create your own fictional nation. You will be required to create a brief summary page
on your nation. Your page MUST include:
A description of the type of nation you have decided to create (Is it
a civic nation? A nation-state? An ethnic nation? A cultural nation?)
A description of how your nation came to be (Was there a war? A
revolution? A peaceful separation?)
A description of at least two of the major conflicts that have taken
place in your nation
A description of the people groups in your nation - How do they
live their lives? Are there more than one major people group? How are groups
similar and different? What might some core or shared beliefs be across people
groups?

To add interest to your project, you may want to create/include one or two (OR MORE!):
The historical background of your nation
The detailed meaning of the name of your nation
A map of your nation
Your nations flag
A coat of arms outlining the values and beliefs of your nation
An anthem written by/for members of your nation
An outline of the pastimes enjoyed by members of your nation
A description of the geography of your nation
A description of the government currently in charge of your nation
Tourist information for someone who may be thinking of visiting
your nation (Where should they stay while they are here? What activities should
they do?)

Descriptor
Exploration of the

Basic

Adequate

Competent

Skilled

Exemplary

range of
expressions of
nationalism
Key Terms
Analyze the
development of
nationalism shaped
by factors such as
history, geography,
politics, economic,
and social
structures.
National Stories
Analyze
nationalism as an
identity,
internalized feeling,
or collective
consciousness
Create a Nation
Collaboration