Various factors such as common race, language, religion, aims and aspirations, culture and Shared past gave rise to nationalism.

The following factors were responsible for the rise of nationalism in Europe :

(i) Decline of Feudalism. There was a steady decline of federal lords and many of them died in mutual warfare. The crusades also improverished the barons. Federal lords were the major obstacle in the emergence of nationalism, and without their destruction the cause of nationalism might have greatly suffered.
(ii) Weakening Authority of the Pope. The Church enjoyed supreme and exalted position and commanded a great power in the middle Ages, but the Reformation movement as well as the Renvai-ssance led to awakening among the people and weakened the authority of the Pope. As a result, national churches and national states were established in many countries.
(iii) Wars. Wars roused nationalism among the people of both France and England. The Hundred Years’ War between in the two countries gave rise to national feeling both in France and England.
(iv) Foreign Rule. The foreign rulers suppressed the people and treated them cruelly and mercilessly. This led and united the people against the foreign rule and infused the spirit of nationalism in them.
(v) Vienna Settlement. The Vienna Settlement after the Napoleonic Wars tried to suppress the force of revolution and nationalism in Europe. But this further fuelled the people of the subjected countries and they started national movements for their independence.
(vi) Impact of Great Writers. The contribution by various writers, poets, philosophers, statesmen and politicians had a great impact in infusing in feelings of nationalism in Europe. This can be judged from the fact that Machiavelli is called the father of modern nationalism. Apart from that, the writings of J.S. Mill, Fitch, Garibaldi, Mazzzini etc. also went a long way in rousing among the people the spirit of nationalism.