English to Spanish Art/Literary Education / Pedagogy

¿A qué se refiere continental loyalties frente a native heritage en el siguiente contexto?
El contexto es el siguiente:
Until quite late in the eighteenth century , the term "novel" was used very loosely. Different uses:

1. tales shorter than traditional romances

2. a plot of love and intrigue

3. native heritage rather than Continental loyalties.
http://www.lit-arts.net/Behn/novel.htm
Gracias