| This thesis brings the concept of imagined community to the development of Romanian
nationalism in the mid-nineteenth century. From the time of the first Romanian language
newspapers, print culture played a vital role in molding the Romanian imaginary. Alongside the
generals and politicians shaping Romania, publishers both within the Romanian community, and
also in the broader world, also wielded significant influence. This thesis argues that a re-
examination of sources, especially newspaper archives, through the lens of imagined community,
brings new insights both to the ideas of an imagined community and Romanian nationalism
specifically. In particular, the dissemination of conceptualizations, and terms shaped common
views of the Romanian imaginary held by Romanian and English speakers. Printers brought
these ideas into the public view, changing both Romanians views of themselves, as well the way
in which they were seen by others. This Romanian imaginary then contributed to the political
and social events taking place in the various provinces that would eventually become Romania.
Keywords: Nationalism, Romanian, Romania, Wallachia, Transylvania, Moldavia,
Moldova, Imaginary, Imagined Community, Print Culture, Eastern Orthodox, Romanian
Orthodox, Austria, Hungary |