Collapse of the Frankfurt Parliament

The collapse of the Frankfurt Parliament in 1849 can be attributed to a combination of internal divisions, lack of effective support from key states, failure to resonate with the lower classes, and a lack of legitimacy. These factors collectively led to the downfall of what was initially envisioned as a pivotal step towards German unification and constitutional democracy.

One of the primary reasons for the collapse of the Frankfurt Parliament was the refusal of the Prussian king, Frederick-William IV, to accept the imperial crown offered by the Parliament. This refusal deprived the Parliament of significant military and economic support from Prussia, weakening its ability to establish and enforce its policies effectively.

Furthermore, internal divisions within the Parliament also played a crucial role in its collapse. The Parliament was divided between advocates of a ‘Greater Germany’ led by Catholic Austria and those supporting a ‘Little Germany’ led by Protestant Prussia. This division created inherent conflict, and even when a decision seemed to have been reached in favor of the 'Greater Germany' option in October 1848, it only included Austria's German lands, leading to Austria's rejection of the fragmentation of its territories.

Another factor contributing to the collapse was the composition and nature of the Parliament itself. Dominated by the middle class and often referred to as the ‘Parliament of Professors,’ it failed to gain the support of the lower classes. The rejection of the Industrial Code proposed by the Artisans’ Congress highlighted the disconnect between the Parliament and the working class, eroding its legitimacy among a significant segment of the population.

Additionally, the lack of legitimacy also undermined the Frankfurt Parliament. The fact that it had not been initiated by the German Confederation meant that it lacked a strong foundation of support from the outset. The withdrawal of key delegates, including those from Austria and Prussia, further delegitimized the Parliament and turned it into a mere remnant rather than a truly representative national assembly.

In conclusion, the collapse of the Frankfurt Parliament was a result of a combination of factors, including the refusal of key states to support it, internal divisions, failure to engage the lower classes, and a lack of legitimacy. These challenges ultimately rendered the Parliament ineffective in achieving its goals of German unification and constitutional reform.