Nationalism Depth Study- 1848/49 Revolutions

Question 1

Social and Intellectual Causes of the Revolutions

Answer 1

• Overestimation of political consciousness- Most Liberals concerned with developments in own state not situation across Germany as a whole.
• Working Class-> social problems- poor harvests, increase in food prices, insufficient employment (move to towns for work), poor working and living conditions (13hr working days)
• Middle Class-> political problems- Not hungry so want change. Wanted more political participation with parliamentary system and basic civil rights, wanted unity- claimed it would ensure national prosperity

Question 2

Impact of Revolutions of development on Nationalism

Answer 2

• Lack of nationalism as aims divided-> not revolting just for unity -> showed only small group of Middle class wanted unity
• Failure of Frankfurt P. showed failure -> indecision between Gross vs Kleindeutschland = no unity
• King Frederick William of Prussia decided he did not want to unite Germany after briefly intervening in Schleswig-Holstein. Regarded by Frankfurt Parliament as outrage to German National Cause.
• Attractive as idea of a united Germany could be, in practice Austria and Prussia had no wish to see their powers limited by liberal constitutions and a strong central authority
• OVERALL GERMANY WOULD ONLY BE UNIFIED ONCE THE MILITARY MIGHT AND AUTHORITY OF AUSTRIAN EMPIRE HAD BEEN OVERCOME.

Question 3

Consequences of Frankfurt Parliament

Answer 3

• No possibility for Nationalism

- Solidifies Austria’s power

Question 4

Economic causes of the Revolution

Answer 4

• Problems in countryside- Majority land belonged to Junkers, rents were high, difficult to make a living
• The 1846/47 corn harvests disastrous worsened by outbreak of potato blight - sharp rise in food prices: cereal prices increased by nearly 50% in 1847. Price inc. resulted in reduction of consumer spending= fall in demand= wages cut= standard of living fell.

Question 5

The response of Metternich and Authorities to Revolutions

Answer 5

Situation in Austria got out of hand quickly, Metternich fled and the army was withdrawn from the Capital (Vienna) -> City was left in control of radical students and their working-class supporters.
Metternich fell from power- 13th March 1848

Question 6

Support for Revolutions

Answer 6

• Initial support from Working class due to bad working conditions, long days and lack of food.
• Middle Class liberals and radical- Politically conscious.

Question 7

Opposition to Revolutions

Answer 7

• Loss of enthusiasm/interest for Revolutions by 1849, slow progress of Frankfurt Parliament, remnants of feudalism removed,
• Peasants hostile towards urban revolutionaries