German Nationalism in 1850
TITLE
How strong was German nationalism by 1850?
ESSAY
German nationalism by 1850 was a complex and evolving phenomenon with both strengths and limitations. The period leading up to 1850 witnessed significant developments that fueled nationalist sentiments among various segments of society.
One of the key factors that contributed to the strength of German nationalism was the economic growth and industrialization in the German states, particularly in Prussia. The granting of land along the Rhine in 1815 and the subsequent industrial expansion, supported by the Zollverein after 1834, helped create a sense of economic unity among German nationalists. The growth of the middle class, empowered by economic prosperity and aspiring for political rights, played a crucial role in advocating for a unified Germany.
Cultural factors also played a role in fostering German nationalism. The publication of folk tales by the Brothers Grimm and academic studies highlighting a common German cultural identity helped cultivate a sense of unity among Germans. The 1848 revolutions further fueled nationalist sentiments, leading to the convening of the Frankfurt Parliament and the drafting of a German constitution that envisioned a united German Empire.
However, the strength of German nationalism was tempered by several factors. Despite economic advancements, agriculture remained a dominant sector in many German states, with peasants more preoccupied with survival than nationalist ideals. The continued authoritarianism of the Prussian monarchy, as demonstrated by Frederick William IV's rejection of the imperial crown in 1849, and the resistance of German princes who feared losing power in a unified Germany, posed significant challenges to the nationalist cause.
Austria's dominance over the German states also hindered the realization of German nationalism. The suppression of Prussian attempts to exclude Austria and create a German union, as seen at Olmütz, underscored the continued influence of Austria in German affairs. The Frankfurt Parliament's inability to garner broad support, particularly from the lower classes, and its failure to translate cultural unity into political unity further illustrated the limitations of German nationalism by 1850.
In conclusion, while German nationalism exhibited strength in economic, cultural, and political spheres by 1850, it was also constrained by agrarian realities, authoritarian governance, princely opposition, and external influences. The period marked a significant milestone in the evolution of German nationalism, laying the groundwork for future developments and struggles in the pursuit of a unified Germany.
SUBJECT
HISTORY
PAPER
AS LEVEL
NOTES
How strong was German nationalism by 1850?
**Indicative content**
The granting of land along the Rhine in 1815 doubled Prussia’s population and increased its access to raw materials (coal/iron), which allowed for the growth of industry. This industrial growth, allied with economic growth brought about by the Zollverein after 1834, bolstered the hopes of German nationalists. A growing unity in economic affairs, why not a unity in political affairs? As German states developed economically the middle-classes grew in importance. Aware of their contribution to the economy’s development, they wanted more rights and powers. They felt that the best way to achieve these was through a unified Germany. There was an awareness of a distinct German cultural identity, as seen in the folk tales published by the Brothers Grimm and in academic studies showing the common origin of the various dialects in the German states. The 1848 revolutions led to demands, particularly amongst liberals, for a united Germany and it was argued that a new German Parliament should meet in Frankfurt. This parliament drew up a German constitution in March 1849 – German states to be united in a German Empire headed by a German Emperor.
The extent of nationalism can be questioned. Despite Prussia’s undoubted economic strength, agriculture still dominated its economy, and that of the other German states. Peasants were more concerned with dealing with issues of surviving at a subsistence level, rather than with German nationalism. The Prussian monarchy was authoritarian, not liberal – Frederick William IV refused the imperial crown in 1849 because it came from the Frankfurt Parliament and not the German Princes. German Princes were opposed to nationalism as a united Germany needed only one Prince. Austria still dominated the German states in 1850. At Olmütz the Austrians had ended Prussian plans to create a German union which excluded Austria and had Prussia at its head. The Frankfurt Parliament failed to unify the German states. It never gained the support of the lower classes and was seen as a talking-shop and any rebellions it encouraged to reject the existing order were put down. Whilst a clear cultural identity did exist, it had not, by 1850, translated into a political reality.
Accept any other valid responses.