Volksgeist
Also called: Das volk · Topic: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe · NCERT: Class 10, Ch 1 "The Rise of Nationalism in Europe"
Meaning
Volksgeist is a German word meaning "the spirit of the people". The idea comes from the philosopher Johann Gottfried Herder in the 18th century. He believed that every nation has its own spirit. This spirit is found among the common people, das volk, and not among the educated elite. It shows itself in folk songs, folk poetry, folk dances and language. So collecting folklore came to be seen as a way to recover and build the nation.
Example
The Grimm brothers published German folktales from 1812. Their aim was to save the authentic German volksgeist from the influence of French culture. Folk songs and tales also reached people who could not read, which helped spread national feeling widely.
Don't confuse with
- Das volk: das volk means the common people themselves. Volksgeist means their spirit, which is shown through their culture.
Related concepts
- July Revolution
- Greek War of Independence
- Romanticism
- Johann Gottfried Herder
- Ethnic nationalism
- Grimm brothers
- Partition of Poland