The Rise of NationalismThroughout 1850-1940 nationalistic movements became widespread throughout the world. Atatürk's promise of a strong Turkish Republic had great popular appeal in a crumbling Empire, consistent with the nationalistic movements worldwide.
" If a nation does not become concerned about its existence and its rights with its entire strength, with all its spiritual and material powers, if a nation does not rely on its own strength to secure its existence and independence, than it cannot be rescued from becoming this or that person's puppet. Our national life, our history... [is] a perfect example of this. Therefore, within our organization the principle has been adopted that the national forces are supreme and that the national will is paramount. Today, the nations of the whole world recognize only one soverignty: national sovereignty." |
“Your first duty is to protect and preserve the Turkish independence and the Turkish Republic forever. This is the very foundation of your existence and your future. This foundation is your most precious treasure. In the future, too, there may be malevolent people at home and abroad, who wish to deprive you of this treasure. If some day you are compelled to defend your independence and your republic, you must not tarry to weigh the possibilities and circumstances of the situation before taking up your duty.” |