The Evolution of Sovereignty and Nationalism in Europe

Skibidi, lowkey let us zoom into the sixteenth to seventeenth century where Europe was a goon fest of nations and empires. The Peace of Westphalia dropped some serious edge, allowing princes to flex their sovereignty by determining their realm's religion. This was not just a vibe; it was a dank shift towards legal sovereignty. Think of it as nations leveling up, carving out territories where power was no longer about kings but the nation itself. Nationalism entered the chat, claiming that each nation is like a sigma male, demanding loyalty and driving progress. The nation-state became the ultimate ship, where each community governs its turf.