Remnants from Revolution: Nationalism and the strength of symbolism

One of the most significant legacies of the French Revolution is the concept of nationalism. It is a steady thread that suffuses many modern western arguments for and against any action involving other countries. Nationalism, is rarely without a rallying point and a symbol that can evoke fervor in believers. This symbolism ranges from the French revolutionary paintings:

To Russian Poems like  Pushkin's "The Bronze Horseman". Some still inspire noble, self sacrifice and promote cultural ideals as virtues: 

Others live as shameful momentos of nationalism unleashed:

Others have yet to find their place in history. The repercussions of the actions done in their name have not yet been resolved: 

Nationalism, more than any other sentiment emerged from the French revolution strong and virulent. It reaches forwards and spans time, it fills the hearts of new generations loading them like pistols ready to fire on any threat to their nation, often without forethought and mindful caution. It is a boon when called patriotism and a threat when called fanaticism. Either way Art and artists have had a hand in the propagation of change, and enlightenment of issues within a society. Their emotionally charged creations can sweep us up into a vision of the world through their eyes, be it a decadent and confectionery fantasy of the Rococo variety or an emboldened and rebellious fight for freedom. Artwork effects our societies, and societies give rise to the raw emotional material that is an artists mental medium. The two are symbiotic, then now and forever.