An assessment of the degree of growth of nationalism in Germany, up to 1850

Question 1

What was the goal of German nationalism in the 19th century?

Answer 1

The goal was to create a united Germany encompassing all individual states.

Question 2

What factors contributed to the rise of German nationalism?

Answer 2

The French Revolution, resentment toward Napoleon’s occupation, culture, economic factors like the Zollverein, and political reasons for unity.

Question 3

Who supported German nationalism in the early 19th century?

Answer 3

Mainly students, educated Liberals, and the educated middle class.

Question 4

Which group was most opposed to German nationalism?

Answer 4

The old ruling classes and the peasants.

Question 5

What did Liberals believe regarding governance in Germany?

Answer 5

They believed in individual freedom and parliamentary democracy.

Question 6

What inspired German Liberals?

Answer 6

They were inspired by the ideas of the French Revolution, including ‘liberty, equality, and fraternity.’

Question 7

How did the Carlsbad Decrees affect nationalism in Germany?

Answer 7

They limited the spread of new ideas, reducing the growth of nationalism after 1819.

Question 8

Why did the educated middle class support nationalism?

Answer 8

They resented paying the most taxes with little political power and saw the economic benefits of a united Germany.

Question 9

How did the old ruling classes oppose nationalism?

Answer 9

They controlled the army and used it to suppress uprisings, limiting the growth of nationalism.

Question 10

Why were peasants unlikely to support nationalism?

Answer 10

They were focused on survival, facing harsh working conditions, rising rents, and food shortages.

Question 11

What was Golo Mann’s view on the peasants’ involvement in nationalism?

Answer 11

He argued that most Germans, especially peasants, were too focused on daily survival to be politicized.

Question 12

How did literacy impact the spread of nationalism among peasants?

Answer 12

Many peasants were illiterate, making it difficult for them to engage in nationalist culture, such as literature.

Question 13

What role did urbanization play in the spread of nationalism?

Answer 13

Urbanization led to more Germans living in cities, where industrial workers became more likely to demand better living and working conditions.

Question 14

How did industrialization affect the working classes?

Answer 14

It concentrated workers in cities, making them more able to demonstrate and demand improvements, but their focus was on survival rather than political change.

Question 15

Did the working classes support nationalism?

Answer 15

Historians argue the working classes were more motivated by improving working conditions than by nationalism.

Question 16

What was the impact of harsh living conditions in cities on working-class politics?

Answer 16

The working classes were focused on day-to-day survival, not political change or nationalism.

Question 17

How did the ruling classes react to working-class demands for change?

Answer 17

The ruling classes were resistant to change and did not support the working-class calls for better conditions.

Question 18

What economic system helped promote nationalism in Germany?

Answer 18

The Zollverein, a customs union, helped promote economic unity, contributing to the push for political unity.

Question 19

What contributed to the food shortages in Germany in 1846-1847?

Answer 19

Poor harvests and the potato blight, similar to Ireland’s 1845-6 crisis.

The potato blight had devastating effects on agriculture, leading to significant food scarcity.

Question 20

What social issues arose in Germany due to food shortages?

Answer 20

Wages dropped, unemployment rose, and living standards plummeted.

These economic hardships fueled social unrest and dissatisfaction among the populace.

Question 21

What event occurred in Germany in 1848?

Answer 21

Revolutions broke out across Germany, highlighting discontent with the ruling classes.

The revolutions were part of a broader wave of uprisings in Europe during this period.

Question 22

What symbol did protestors use during the 1848 revolutions in Germany?

Answer 22

The red, black, and gold colours.

These colors became emblematic of German nationalism and unity.

Question 23

Who supported the revolutions of 1848 in Germany?

Answer 23

People from all social classes, except the nobility, expressed discontent and demanded change.

This broad support indicated widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo.

Question 24

What did the middle class demand during the 1848 revolutions?

Answer 24

The creation of a united German Republic.

The middle class sought political reforms and national unification.

Question 25

What did workers and peasants demand during the 1848 revolutions?

Answer 25

Changes to improve living standards, not nationalism. ## Footnote Their demands were more focused on economic and social issues rather than political unity.

Question 26

How did King Frederick William of Prussia react to the demonstrations in Berlin?

Answer 26

He became concerned, accepted some demands, and appeared in nationalist colours. ## Footnote His actions were seen as a response to the growing pressure from the public.

Question 27

What was the nature of King Frederick William's actions in 1848, according to historians?

Answer 27

Historians argue his actions were opportunistic, not genuinely supportive of nationalism. ## Footnote This perspective suggests he aimed to maintain power rather than promote genuine reform.

Question 28

What event in 1847 led to the creation of the Frankfurt Parliament?

Answer 28

Calls from several German states to address the issue of unity and the invitation of delegates. ## Footnote This was a critical moment in the push for a unified Germany.

Question 29

What was the Frankfurt Parliament?

Answer 29

A German Parliament formed by 574 delegates to draft rules for a united Germany. ## Footnote It marked a significant political development in the quest for German unity.

Question 30

Why was the Frankfurt Parliament significant for German nationalism?

Answer 30

It represented a major step toward unity and showed widespread support for the idea of a united Germany. ## Footnote Despite its eventual failure, it was a landmark event in German history.

Question 31

How did the revolutions of 1848 demonstrate the pressure on German rulers?

Answer 31

They showed widespread dissatisfaction across German society, forcing rulers to consider change. ## Footnote The revolutions highlighted the need for reform in response to public demands.

Question 32

What did the Frankfurt Parliament represent in terms of political progress?

Answer 32

It was a significant attempt to create a unified Germany, even though it ultimately failed. ## Footnote The failure of the Parliament underscored the challenges of achieving national unity.

Question 33

How did the peasants and workers' demands differ from the middle class in 1848?

Answer 33

Peasants and workers focused on improving living conditions, while the middle class pushed for political unity. ## Footnote This divergence in priorities illustrates the complexity of the revolutionary movements.

Question 34

Why did the Frankfurt Parliament move slowly?

Answer 34

There was a lack of decisive leadership and disagreement on the direction of German unity. ## Footnote These internal divisions hindered effective decision-making.

Question 35

What role did King Frederick William's public actions play in the 1848 revolution?

Answer 35

His appearance in nationalist colours gave hope to liberals and nationalists, although his commitment was questioned. ## Footnote This ambivalence reflected the complexities of the political landscape at the time.