An assessment of the growth of German nationalism between 1815-50

Question 1

What did Liberals mainly believe in? (Supporters of Nationalism)

Answer 1

A fairer society where people had a say, not just monarchs, this could only be achieved through a united Germany rather than smaller states.

Question 2

What influence did Middle Classes have? (Support for Nationalism)

Answer 2

They made the biggest demands for political change and Germany unity. Paid the most in taxes yet they had little influence on government spending.

Question 3

Who created the New German Wealth? (Support for Nationalism)

Answer 3

The Middle Classes

Question 4

What would unification for the public? (Support for Nationalism)

Answer 4

New economic opportunities

Question 5

What did some middle classes read?

Answer 5

Revolutionary texts

Question 6

Many students backed liberal and nationalist ideas. How did they become involved?

Answer 6

Partook in violent protests and set up student societies to promote these.

Question 7

What is the German word for student societies?

Answer 7

Burschenschaften

Question 8

What is a positive of the supporters of Nationalism?

[Who were strong supporters of nationalism?]

Answer 8

Strong supporters for nationalism amongst Liberals, middle classes and students. Group was growing in size as nationalism grew.

Question 9

What is another positive of the supporters of Nationalism?

[Classes coming together]

Answer 9

The classes came together which demonstrated unity and nationalism

Germany worked together like a nation , infrastructure allowed movement.

Question 10

What is a negative of Supporters of Nationalism?

Answer 10

Not all the states were involved (25/39 were), The nationalism was economic not political.

Question 11

What is another negative of Supporters of Nationalism?

[Being a part of the same group]

Answer 11

Liberals, middle class and students were part of the same group - so not representative of the entire country. Poorer people lacked an education to expose them to new political opinions.

Question 12

German states had a class structure (amongst other places in Europe), what is an example of this?

Answer 12

Junkers in Prussia

Question 13

Why did many from ruling classes oppose change?

Answer 13

They were worried it would cost them power and influence.

Question 14

Ruling classes opposed nationalism, but who else did?

Answer 14

German princes and kings, they thought a united Germany would cost them power.

Question 15

What did traditional power over Austria manage to do?

Answer 15

Mange to keep nationalism down for a long time with his decrees and agreements with other countries who wanted to retain a weak Germany.

Question 16

What is a positive of Opponents of Nationalism?

(Hint: Control, Ruling classes and monarchies)

Answer 16

The ruling classes and monarchies had political control of their countries which allowed them to limit the impact of nationalism.

Question 17

What is a negative of Opponents of Nationalism?

[Evidence of Nationalism]

Answer 17

Every time there was ever any evidence of nationalism the monarchs put it down. They held all the power and the force to put it back up.

Question 18

What is another negative of Opponents of Nationalism?

Answer 18

Still lots of demonstrations/rumblings of discontent against the ruling elite. Example: French revolution gave people hope.

Question 19

What is a third negative of Opponents of Nationalism?

Answer 19

Some monarchs - such as King Frederick William IV of Prussia were prepared to consider political change.

However, Frederick William did go back on some of his promises, for example: press freedom.

Question 20

How much of the population did poor people make up in Germany? (Attitudes of peasants and workers)

Answer 20

They were the largest group in the German states. Meant they had a good reason to want political change as the poorest in society and also the largest.

Question 21

What was the difference between peasants in cities vs rural areas? (Attitudes of peasants and workers)

Answer 21

Cities: Part of the industrial revolution, were more likely to take part in protests.
Rural: Often less educated, were less involved in political issues.

Question 22

What was a problem for peasants?

Answer 22

Recession (period of temporary significant decline in economic activity), overcrowding and poor working conditions in cities.

Question 23

What was the peasants demands for change based on?

Answer 23

Survival rather than politics

Question 24

What is a positive of Peasants and Workers?

Answer 24

As the largest group in society, any peasant complaints could not be easily ignored.

As industrialisation grew, more peasants came to see the chance for national unity to bring social change.

Question 25

What is another positive of peasants and workers?

[A certain period in which people took interest in something]

Answer 25

Vormaz period - people started to take an interest in politics - people started to gather discontent and audiences for agitators.

Question 26

What is a negative for peasants and workers?

[What were the protests main focus?]

Answer 26

Although peasants were involved in protests, these were often focused on social rather than political change. Many peasants would support anyone who could deliver a better life and food.

Question 27

In 1848 what was there an increasing amount of across all the states? (Political Turmoil)

Answer 27

Demands for change

An economic recession saw many Germans without work and living in poverty.

Question 28

In February 1848, protests were peaceful. Who did they involve and what was involved? (Political Turmoil)

Answer 28

-Large groups of people
-Mass meetings and petitions demanding change

Question 29

Across the Bund, violent protests took place demanding social and political change. Who had to leave? (Political Turmoil)

Answer 29

In Austria, Chancellor Metternich had to leave for his own safety.

Question 30

What is a positive of political turmoil?

Answer 30

Protests took place across all states - shows the extent of feelings

Question 31

What is a second positive of political turmoil?

[Who was involved in the protests?]

Answer 31

The protests involved a ton of people as well, ranging from peasants to middle classes and even ethnic minorities too. This limited Austria’s power.

Question 32

What is a negative of political turmoil?

Answer 32

There was no agreement about what change meant. The middle classes were focused on political reforms while others wanted to see social change. Ruling class also still controlled the military.

Question 33

What is a second negative of political turmoil?

Answer 33

King Frederick William IV of Prussia had mixed feelings on the protests.

Shocked at the number of protesters killed, but also opposed their demands.

Question 34

Post protests, invitations were sent out to all German states to attend what? (Frankfurt Parliament)

Answer 34

A Vorparlament in March 1848. 574 delegates from across the Confederation attended.

Question 35

What agreements did the Frankfurt Parliament include? (Frankfurt Parliament)

Answer 35

-Elections to a National Assembly
-Membership of the Assembly (One member per 50,000 population)
-A vote for all men over the age of 25

Question 36

Who did the Parliament eventually ask to become King of Germany? (Frankfurt Parliament)

Answer 36

Frederick William, however by then he opposed all of their plans.

Franz Josef of Austria was also opposed to the plans and the parliament failed.

Question 37

Whats a positive for the Frankfurt Parliament?

Answer 37

The parliament showed a commitment from people of all states to political change and a united Germany. Many agreements were made which would have massively changed Germany.

Question 38

What is a second positive for the Frankfurt Parliament?

Answer 38

Definite moves towards a united parliament, Middle class representatives most in favour of nationalism achieved apparent control.

Question 39

What is a negative of Frankfurt Parliament?

Answer 39

Middle Classes dominated the parliament - their priorities were not the same as peasants. The parliament did not control the armies and so couldn’t impose its wishes.

Question 40

What is a second negative of Frankfurt Parliament?

Answer 40

Also a major split of what a united Germany would look like:

Grossdeutschland - would include Austria
Kleindeutschland - evicted Austria