Initially, in the ancient era, the term "people" meant people connected by kinship - close or distant. Subsequently, with the advent of states, this definition became wider.
How did the nations arise
People are called residents of a state or some territory who have a common language, culture, similar religious and moral-ethical views. In the formation of the people a large role is played by a number of factors, including historical. Therefore, any nation can be called a historical community.
In an era when the transition from a tribal community to a neighboring community was already completed, but the rudiments of statehood were still emerging, most people lived in subsistence farming. That is, everything necessary for life was obtained and produced by the forces of one family, and, if necessary, there was an exchange of goods with other families living in the neighborhood. However, over time, the need arose for a regular exchange of goods, not only with immediate neighbors, but also with people living in more distant places. And for this, a common language was needed (in order to understand each other), general laws and regulations, security and order. Commodity-market relations also contributed to mutual understanding, the formation of common interests, values, and mentality. So gradually peoples began to take shape from diverse communities.
What historical factors contribute to the development and unity of peoples
There are many historical reasons that lead to the growth of national identity, and as a result, to the formation and strengthening of the people. One of the most significant is the reflection of an external threat. For example, in the history of the ancient Romans, the 2nd Punic War with their main rival, Carthage, played a huge role. After a crushing defeat at Cannes (216 BC), Rome was on the verge of destruction. However, the Romans did not lose heart and did not ask for peace. On the contrary, this grave failure rallied them, caused an explosion of patriotism. And as a result, they won the war.
A similar situation was in France during the Hundred Years War (1337-1453), or in Russia during the Time of Troubles (early 17th century). After overcoming these difficult tests, the process of the final formation of the French and Russian peoples accelerated.
The so-called “passionary idea”, that is, universal enthusiasm, an impulse having a religious, political, economic or other basis, can play a significant role. For example, for the Arab people, such an idea was the adoption of Islam as the dominant religion in the 7th century, for the people of the USA - the struggle for independence from Great Britain (end of the 18th century), and for many peoples of the former Russian Empire - the construction of a new society after the October Revolution in 1917.
