Art, literature, music, and cinema have always played a vital role in shaping national identity, especially during wars and conflicts. They serve as powerful tools for documenting events, reinforcing ideas, and shaping the consciousness of future generations.
Daniel Bar-Tal, a professor of social psychology, argues that collective memory is one of the key elements in constructing national identity, as it creates a shared record of historical events that contribute to strengthening national values.
Similarly, scholar Ouyang Kang points out that national identity is not merely an individual feeling but a cultural and social construct influenced by historical, geographical, and political factors.
The philosopher Montesquieu also explored this concept, emphasizing that national identity is inherited across generations through traditions and customs that foster a collective sense of belonging.
Thus, national identity consists of behaviors, values, and cultural heritage that unite members of a nation and give them a sense of belonging, particularly in times of crises and war.
During the Romantic era, artistic depictions of war increasingly reflected national identity. In this period, artists moved away from the absolute rationalism of the Enlightenment and began focusing on emotions and the representation of national spirit.
One of the most notable examples is Washington Crossing the Delaware (1851) by Emanuel Leutze. The painting captures the heroic moment when George Washington and his army crossed the river during the American Revolution, emphasizing sacrifice and national unity. The artwork reinforced the American people’s sense of belonging and strengthened their national identity.
In France, Boissy d’Anglas at the National Convention (1831) by Auguste Vinchon portrayed a defining moment of the French Revolution, showing a leader standing firm amid chaos.
Likewise, Liberty Leading the People (1830) by Eugène Delacroix became an iconic symbol of national identity, with Liberty personified as a woman leading the people in a scene of struggle and sacrifice.
As with visual arts, literature also played a pivotal role in reinforcing national identity during wars.
In Russia, Napoleon’s invasion inspired many poets, including Mikhail Lermontov, whose poem Borodino (1837) celebrated the heroism of Russian soldiers during the 1812 battle. The poem became part of the Russian school curriculum to instill national awareness in future generations.
Alexander Pushkin, in his poem The Bronze Horseman (1833), explored the conflict between Western influences and Russian identity, emphasizing the importance of preserving national traditions.
His works inspired major literary figures such as Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, who continued to use literature to reinforce a sense of national belonging.
One of the most notable examples is Frédéric Chopin’s Military Polonaise, which became a symbol of Polish resistance against Nazi occupation. During World War II, Polish radio stations broadcasted it daily as a message of national defiance.
One of the most notable examples is Frédéric Chopin’s Military Polonaise, which became a symbol of Polish resistance against Nazi occupation. During World War II, Polish radio stations broadcasted it daily as a message of national defiance.
In France, La Marseillaise became the national anthem during the French Revolution and was used to rally soldiers.
Despite criticism of its violent lyrics, it remains a powerful national symbol and is taught in schools to reinforce patriotic values among younger generations.
With the development of cinema in the 20th century, films became an effective medium for reinforcing national identity, particularly during World War II, when cinema was widely used for propaganda in several countries.
In Britain, The Lion Has Wings (1939) was the first propaganda film aimed at boosting public morale and showcasing the strength of the Royal Air Force.
However, it was criticized for being overly direct and unrealistic, prompting the government to adopt a more nuanced approach to wartime propaganda.
As a result, filmmaker Humphrey Jennings was commissioned to create a more authentic film, leading to the production of Listen to Britain (1942). This poetic film portrayed daily life during the war, highlighting the unity and resilience of the British people.
Meanwhile, Nazi Germany extensively used cinema as a propaganda tool. One of the most infamous examples is Triumph of the Will (1935), directed by Leni Riefenstahl, which depicted Adolf Hitler as a godlike leader. The film sparked ethical debates about the power of cinema in shaping public perception and manipulating national consciousness.
From Fine art to cinema, and from literature to music, national identity has always been a central theme in depictions of war.
Artists and creatives have used their works to reinforce a sense of belonging, whether through historical paintings, patriotic songs, or impactful films.
The Romantic era laid the foundation for the portrayal of national identity in the arts, a trend that continues today. These artistic expressions serve as enduring testaments to the power of creativity in documenting historical moments, strengthening national pride, and uniting people in times of adversity.
