The answer is Nationalism.
Chopin (1825 - 1849) wrote at least 59 mazurkas based on the traditinal Polish dance.
During Chopin's time, Poland was under the control of Russia, Prussia and Austria, while Germany, Italy and France dominated the European musical scene.
Once in exile in Paris, he took the traditional mazurka as his base and with some adjustments, he took mazurka to another level. Chopin's mazurka is not meant for dancing and is considered to be more technically advanced.
