Constraints on German Nationalism pre-1848
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Explain why the development of German nationalism was limited in the period before 1848.
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The development of German nationalism was limited in the period before 1848 due to several factors. One of the main reasons was the opposition from Austria, the most powerful of all the German states. The Austrians saw nationalism as a threat to the Austrian Empire and therefore opposed any development of German nationalism. This can be seen in the Carlsbad Decrees of 1819, which aimed to suppress any liberal and nationalist movements in the German states.
Religious divisions also played a significant role in limiting the development of German nationalism. The Reformation had left a lasting impact on the German states, with Catholics and Protestants being suspicious and mistrustful of each other. This lack of cooperation and unity among the different religious groups made it difficult to achieve a unified Germany.
Cultural differences also hindered the development of German nationalism. The Rhineland, which had come under French influence during Napoleon's Confederation of the Rhine, considered themselves part of Western Europe. Despite being part of Prussia after the Congress of Vienna, the Rhenish saw Prussia as an alien culture from the east. This cultural divide made it challenging to form a common cause and work towards a united Germany.
Furthermore, the opposition from the German elites, particularly the German princes, played a significant role in limiting the development of German nationalism. During the Napoleonic era, the German princes had appealed to nationalism to rally their people against the French. However, once the French were expelled, the princes had no desire to see a united Germany. A united German state would mean the end of their power and authority. Therefore, the German elites were not supportive of the idea of a unified Germany.
In conclusion, the development of German nationalism was limited in the period before 1848 due to the opposition from Austria, religious divisions, cultural differences, and the opposition from the German elites. These factors created significant obstacles to the formation of a unified Germany and hindered the growth of German nationalism.
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Explain why the development of German nationalism was limited in the period before 1848. Indicative content • Austria – the most powerful of all the German states. Austrians saw nationalism as an existential threat to the Austrian Empire and so was opposed to any development of German nationalism, e.g., Carlsbad Decrees, 1819. • Religion – The Reformation still cast a long shadow over the German states. Catholics and Protestants were suspicious and mistrustful of each other. This did not bode well for cooperation in achieving a unified Germany. • Culture – the Rhineland had come under French influence as part of Napoleon’s Confederation of the Rhine and, as such, considered themselves part of Western Europe. Although now part of Prussia following the Congress of Vienna, the Rhenish saw Prussia as an alien culture from the east. Therefore, forming a common cause would be difficult. • Elite’s opposition – the German princes had appealed to nationalism to rally their peoples to fight back and expel the French. However, once this had been achieved, they had no desire to see a united Germany, for such a political entity would need one ruler only. A united German state would mean the end of the power of the princes. Future leadership, it seemed, was unlikely to come from traditional leaders. Accept any other valid responses.