The Complexities of Minorities and National Identity in Ethnostates

The context of these countries should not be simplified by projecting modern American ideas about minorities onto them. The concept of immigrants does not apply here, as these are often long-standing homogenous communities. The Versailles Treaty created administrative difficulties that caused resentment and suffering. Separate school systems teaching different languages reinforced regional homogeneity and minority loyalty to their mother country. The importance of a common language for national unity is a common sentiment across different countries and time periods. This was a time of intense nationalism and conflict.