The aim of the conference is to study the relationship in modern times between war and a nation’s sense of self, focusing on the one hand on nationalism as a prelude to war and on the other hand on the consequences of war for national sentiment. Within the overarching theme of war and nationalism, the conference will pay attention to both how victories and the ways in which military defeats influence nationalism, national identities and national histories. The reasoning behind this focus is that defeat often seems to have as pronounced an impact as victory on the development of national identities and national narratives. Unlike victories, great military defeats create a powerful impulse for change, as national movements strive for national recreation, rejuvenation and salvation.