The statement that best summarizes the rise of nationalism in Europe is:
"Large armies and navies, along with extensive colonial holdings, helped to define European national greatness."
This statement captures the essence of how nationalism was tied to military power and colonial expansion, which were key aspects of national pride and competition among European nations during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Nationalism often fueled the desire for greater military strength and empire as a means of asserting national identity and status on the global stage.