Final answer:
Intense pride in one's home country is termed nationalism, which includes a sense of superiority and the pursuit of political and cultural dominance. It is different from patriotism and played a pivotal role in the shaping of modern nation-states in Europe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The intense pride in one's home country is called nationalism. This sentiment involves a sense of devotion and loyalty to the nation, often alongside the belief in its inherent superiority and the desire for its cultural and political predominance. Nationalism was particularly significant in Europe, igniting movements towards self-determination, and causing a shift in political boundaries as national groups sought independence and the establishment of nation-states reflective of their identity.
Different from patriotism, which is a love for one's country without the implications of superiority, nationalism can sometimes foster unity within a country. However, it can also lead to exclusionary practices, marginalization of minorities, and international conflicts, as was seen in the fracturing of empires into nation-states in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Key historical examples include the establishment of nations like Poland and Serbia, where nationalist movements sought to create a state that aligns with the identity of the 'people' or nation.