German nationalism is a political and cultural movement that emphasizes the unity and identity of the German people. It emerged in the 19th century, particularly during the period of the German Confederation, and sought to promote a sense of shared heritage, language, and culture among Germans. This movement played a significant role in the unification of Germany in 1871 under Otto von Bismarck. Throughout history, German nationalism has had various expressions, sometimes leading to positive outcomes like national unity and cultural pride. However, it has also been associated with more extreme ideologies, particularly during the Nazi era, which promoted a harmful and exclusionary form of nationalism that had devastating consequences.