Musical Movements: Songs of Nineteenth-Century Nationalism and Abolitionism

The nineteenth century witnessed developments in significant ideological movements, with nationalism and abolitionism notably shaping societies worldwide. Collective nationalist identities rose in prominence throughout the 1800s, and abolitionists fought against race-based slavery, achieving significant successes by the end of the century. Songs served as powerful instruments in the dissemination of both movements’ messages. However, scholars rarely associate nationalism and abolitionism as comparable, simultaneous movements, much less consider them through a musical lens. This study employs compositional and lyrical analysis to examine how nationalist and abolitionist thought converged and diverged in nineteenth-century songs. Compositional features highlight the movements’ membership and goals, while lyrics reveal shared themes of religion, militarism, and slavery. Despite differing approaches to inclusivity, both movements reinforced narratives of progress. This research underscores the role of music as a manifestation of and tool for historical movements, offering a foundation for further scholarly exploration.