Do people in historical European regions formerly independent consider themselves unique and separate?

Question

Basically do people native to areas that were formerly long standing historic nations, and peoples prior to World War I and various other historical events in what is today the Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, and other areas consider themselves separate and unique peoples still?

For instance many of these were formerly long-standing countries in which they considered themselves separate peoples. One example comes to mind is the Kingdom of Navarre though that is VERY far back, more recent probably is Bohemia which is a historically separate region and I am sure there are several other good examples (Like the many nations that ended up in the USSR)

Answer 1

No question -- absolutely. There is, for example, an independence movement in Aragon in Spain, and also a Castillian independence movement.

Look at the United Kingdom and the drive for Scotish Independence.

Oh I could go on and on; but yes, ancient ethnic and nationalistic feelings are alive and well throughout Europe.

Answer 2

Pride in one's region is an inherent trait; Florentines are Florentines first, Italian second. Bavarians are Bavarians First, German second, and on - - - - and some plaes were never truly idependent yet their citizens are certain that they have a distinction a uniqueness much as do residents of New York City or the Ozarks or Seattle.

Peace....

Answer 3

Sure. Look at Scotland. They think of themselves as Scottish rather than part of the United Kingdom.

Answer 4

BTW: the surface of Switzerland is unchanged since the year 1815, so your question does not apply to this country. Since then, Switzerland has never been occupied.

Answer 5

completely you have the basque seperatist movement the breton resurgence aswell as the whole of italy which still manages to transcent the union of the country through their very specific use of the same language aswell as cusine etc

Answer 6

No and that's what makes them seem so retarded. And olly d, i'm sorry yet you made that up approximately individuals not understanding Britain substitute into portion of Europe. easily, the memories that come from the mouths of Euros.

Answer 7

Absolutely. It's a perfectly normal human reaction to identify yourself with as small a group first and foremost; your family, then your hometown, your state, etc.

Answer 8

yep...just look at former yugoslavia and at least cecen problem