German unification

Question 1

Background -

Answer 1

In 1815 Germany was not a unified country, despite Napoleon reducing the 400 states to 39.

Between 1815 and 1850, there was a growth in German nationalism across the German confederation made up of the 39 separate states with their own rulers and systems of government.

Question 2

Religious Differences Knowledge -

Answer 2

German states had once shared the Catholic religion but this changed after the Reformation.

The German states were divided on religious grounds. Northern states had reformed to Protestantism but the Southern states remained Catholic.

Northern states looked to Protestant Prussia and the Southern states looked to Catholic Austria.

Question 3

Religious Differences analysis -

Answer 3

This was important as religious differences between the German states meant they were unlikely to choose to establish a unified Germany because it would mean losing their own separate religious identities.

Question 4

Religious differences analysis plus -

Answer 4

However it could be argued that these differences are over stated as the religious divide was far less than it had been and Prussia and Austria were rivals because of power and the desire to dominate the German states and religious differences were incidental rather than a real obstacle.

Question 5

German Princes knowledge -

Answer 5

Background - The princes obstructed unification as they wished to maintain the status quo.

knowledge -

39 states in the German Bund, each had their own leader such as King William of Wurttemberg.

German Princes felt threatened by unification, their power was based on their complete control over the individual states.

They saw their position as bestowed by God and they were the rightful ruler’s of the state’s.

Question 6

German Princes analysis -

Answer 6

This was important as the princes believed that they would lose their status in a unified Germany. Only one could rule the states and everyone would have to obey him.

Question 7

German Princes analysis plus -

Answer 7

However even if princes had wanted to unite the German states it is unlikely that they could have overpowered Austria militarily, who were a major obstacle to unification as they had no desire to see a united Germany.

Question 8

Divisions among the nationalists knowledge -

Answer 8

Background - Many middle and working class Germans wanted unification of the states for different reasons.

knowledge -

For middle classes, unification could bring increased ability to influence decision-making and democratically elected parliament.

New working class that had emerged in the towns wanted unification to bring significant social changes and improved working conditions.

Nationalists were also divided over which territory should be included in a united Germany. There were arguments over Gross Deutschland which would include Austria or Klein Deutschland which wouldn’t.

Question 9

Divisions among the nationalists analysis -

Answer 9

This was important as a lack of trust and differing opinions meant that different groups of nationalists struggled to work together. The nationalists were unable to present a united front to their opponents and as a result defining what was meant by Germany was a barrier to unification.