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Fact Files Germany
Q1. Austrian opposition was the main obstacle
to German unification between 1815 and 1850?
(20)
Argument
Austria afraid of losing stability and control because they were a multiethnic empire.
Nationalism is a destabilizing force for them.
Unified German state is another powerful state on their border. They don’t want that.
Metternich saw nationalism and liberalism as ‘dark and evil forces. He had a network of
informant and spies. He had the Carlsbad decrees which abolished student societies and fired
professors teaching about nationalism.
Austrian army was one of the reasons 1848 revolutions failed. Because in 1849 Austrian
army shut down all revolutionary sentiment. Also fear of Austrian army lead to refusal of
crown from William.
Erfurt Union was shut down by Austria.
Counter Argument
Division amongst nationalists. For example, Kleindeutschland vs Grossdeutschland.
Constitutional monarchy vs Republic.
Princes not willing to give up privileges – particularism (people more loyal to states than idea
of nationalism)
Religious differences – North was protestant – South was Catholic.
Nationalism was only of interest to educated people/businesspeople. Wasn’t very appealing to
the lower classes because they weren’t educated enough to comprehend it or care about it.
More concerned with day to day.
Frederick William rejected the crown because Frankfurt parliament lacked legitimacy +
revolutionary fervor was dying.
Q2. To what extent was the development of
German nationalism in the period 1815–50
Fact Files Germany 1
, caused by economic factors? (20)
Argument
Zollverein promoted a sense of shared economic interest among the German states. People
started realizing how similar they were due to the increased trade and transportation
The expansion of railways, coal mining, and textile production led to increased economic
interdependence among the German states – improved standard of living – created a sense of
collective pride – nationalistic sentiment.
Advocates of economic liberalism, such as Friedrich List, argued for the establishment of a
unified German state with a centralized economy as a means of competing with other
European powers.
Growth of middle class – as people got richer – people now had time to think about ideas like
nationalism and liberalism.
With economic strength came Prussia’s military strength – states wanted Austria’s military’s
support. If they’re willing to accept economic influence of Prussia – why not accept political
influence of Prussia.
Counterargument
The Congress of Vienna in 1815, which led to the creation of the German Confederation, set
the stage for discussions on national unity.
Romantic movement emphasized the importance of a shared language, culture, and history in
defining a nation.
Ideas of a national spirit, the ‘volk’ grew.
Grimm brother’s folk lore - They realized how similar their language was. Even though the
dialects were slightly different, the source appeared to be the same. Nationalism is often
based on a shared language and culture (positive integration)
Social factors - Universities and student organizations, known as Burschenschaften, emerged
as centers of nationalist thought and activism, further disseminating nationalist ideas among
the educated elite
1848 revolutions lead to increased demand for a united Germany. Even though they failed,
they set the stepping stones.
Q3. Explain why the Zollverein was created.
(10)
Fact Files Germany 2
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