The Nation as a Local Metaphor

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Exploring the construction of German national identity, Alon Confino examines how local histories influenced the broader narrative of nationhood post-1871. Focusing on Württemberg, he highlights the challenges of reconciling regional peculiarities with a unified national memory. While early attempts like Sedan Day faltered, the concept of Heimat successfully intertwined local and national identities through cultural expressions such as museums, literature, and visual arts. Confino situates this identity project within modernity, prompting reflections on the role of history in shaping contemporary identities.