VENETIAN NATIONAL IDENTITY: AN ETHNO-SYMBOLIC APPROACH

Ethno-symbolism is the study of nationalism through symbols and myths. Anthony D. Smith argued that nations are created from the shared memories of a core ethnie. This thesis applies Smith‘s framework to the Venetian population in Italy. Modern Venetians based their national identity on the Myth of Venice, positive memories about the independent Republic which existed from 697-1797. Venetian national identity developed in three waves. First, the Myth was molded from a cultural explosion in the face of political decadence during Il Settecento (Eighteenth Century). Then, Venetian intellectuals idealized their past in order to join the Kingdom of Italy during Il Risorgimento (Italian Reunification). Finally, a conservative philosophy against modernization arose during the twentieth century in response to globalization and mass tourism. Nationalist movements developed during contemporary times as modern Venetians established their national identity.