Part 5/10:
Industrialization was a key force in solidifying national boundaries and identities. The establishment of railroads and factories connected distant regions, allowing for the mixing of once-isolated communities into a more homogenous national identity. School systems began to teach a standardized language and a shared sense of national pride, cementing allegiances that were previously uncommon. This operation of creating a national narrative was widespread, influencing countries across Europe, including Italy and Germany, all of which faced similar challenges of unification and identity formation.