Germany 1815-1939 The Growth of Nationalism
European and World Topic By the end of the topic we will have: Evaluated the reasons for the growth of nationalism in Germany, 1815-1850 Discussed the role which Bismarck played in achieving German unity Evaluated the reasons why the Nazis rose to power in 1933 Assessed the methods which the Nazis used to retain power, up until 1939
Context Peace of Prague 1840 – French Scare 1819 – Carlsbad Decrees
1815 – Congress of Vienna
1834 – Young German Movement
1832 – Hambach Cultural Festival 1834 – Zollverein was established
1849 – Frankfurt Parliament dissolved 1847 – Die Deutsche Zeitung established
Seven Weeks 1864War War with Denmark 1866 – 1862PrussianThe ‘Blood Italian and Iron’ Alliance Speech
1848 – Year 18521865of The London Convention Revolutions Protocol of Gastein 1863Frankfurt Christian IX Parliament becomes met King of Denmark Meeting at Biarritz
1870 – FrancoPrussian War
18691871 – Kaiser The Spanish Wilhelm of Candidature Prussia was crowned the first emperor of Germany
Discuss in pairs: What makes the United Kingdom of Great BritainOnce and you have thought of a reason, write it up on the smart board Northern Ireland
Nationalism Nationalism is a word that we hear almost everyday in the news, especially in Scotland What has been the latest milestone in Scottish Nationalism?
Nationalism Nationalism is a word that we hear almost everyday in the news, especially in Scotland But what does it actually mean? With a partner discuss: What you believe Nationalism is Any figures you would associate with Nationalism Has Nationalism led to any conflicts in the past
Nationalism is‌ the idea that people with a common culture, language and history, should have the right to rule themselves.
Introduction to Germany
Germany, at the beginning of our period, was a very different country to what it is now
Germany only became a unified country in 1871
Before this it was known by several different names and consisted of almost 400 separate states
Between 962 – 1806, it was known as either the Holy Roman Empire or the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation
The Empire was seen as the direct descendant of the Roman Empire which fell in the 6th Century Many of the states had their own monarchy but they all swore allegiance to the Emperor
They associated themselves more with their state than the country Saxon rather than German Scottish rather than British
This was exacerbated by religious differences North was Protestant, South was Catholic
Despite being separated into different states, the people shared a common language, heritage and customs This was seen as a reason to unify
Napoleon’s Organisational Skills When Napoleon successfully invaded the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, he decided that for (mainly) administrative reasons it would be easier to reduce the size of the Empire
Napoleon’s Organisational Skills When Napoleon successfully invaded the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, he decided that for (mainly) administrative reasons it would be easier to reduce the size of the Empire He consolidated many of the states and created the Confederation of the Rhine This consisted of 39 states and appeared to be a step towards German Unification – but it did not include Prussia
Napoleon ‘baking’ new ‘kings’ to rule the 39 states
However… Napoleon’s French Empire did not last long
After his unsuccessful invasion of Russia in 1813, the Confederation began to fight against French control – aided by Prussia and the other members of the coalition forces (Britain, Russia and Austria)
After the French defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the victorious powers (Britain, Prussia, Austria and Russia) met in Vienna to deliver peace to Europe and end the spread of revolutionary ideals
Congress of Vienna
Click for interactive map
Congress of Vienna It was presided over by Chancellor Metternich (Austria) It was his objective to ensure that Austria remained the most powerful of the German States
Those present at the Congress were determined to rid Europe of as much of Napoleon’s legacy as possible Therefore, the Confederation of the Rhine could not be allowed to remain Even though it made sense as it was a stepping stone to a united Germany
As an alternative, the Congress created the German Confederation – also known as the Bund This was loosely based on Napoleon’s 39 States
Failures of the Congress of Vienna It had failed to fulfil nationalist dreams in both Germany and Italy Neither country was unified
The Bund was to be administered by a Diet (parliament), which each state sent a representative to But this was highly ineffective and had little control over the individuals that lived in the separate states
Failures cont. Each representative sought to put forward and defend their own state’s interests rather than working towards achieving a greater goal
For those hoping that unification would become a reality through the Diet, this was a bitter disappointment
Historian’s Views on the Congress of Vienna The Bund was more a means to perpetuate (keep alive) the division of Germany Ian Mitchell
The German Confederation This was made up of the 39 German states – Austria and Prussia were the largest
Prussia Austria
The German Confederation This was made up of the 39 German states – Austria and Prussia were the largest All members of the Confederation had to unanimously agree on every decision this weakened the Bund
Discuss with a partner why you think this is?
The chairmanship of the Bund was permanently given to Austria Metternich used this position to oppose nationalism and liberty and to try to curb the growing influence of Prussia
Prussia’s influence was growing after the land allocation of Congress of Vienna – but it was not yet in a position to challenge Austria’s authority over the Confederation
Look again at the quote from Ian Mitchell The Bund was more a means to perpetuate (keep alive) the division of Germany
Which state do you think he was insinuating to in this quote? Give reasons for your answer
Factors leading to the Growth of Nationalism Cultural Nationalism The Romantic Movement
Economic Nationalism Political Nationalism Support for Political Unity Opposition to Political Unity Year of Revolutions - 1848
Culture
Discussion Point What does the word ‘Culture’ mean to you? What images come to mind when we talk about Scottish Culture?
"Scotland's culture is our soul - in its traditions, in its innovation, ideas, debates, disputes, its many truths and its many questions. In its democratic intellect it does not just define us, it is constantly challenging and shaping and reshaping our perspective and ideas. Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop
Cultural Nationalism
Also referred to as The Romantic Movement
The Romantic Movement refers to a group of German writers, poets, musicians, philosophers and artists who were active in promoting pride in a shared German culture.
German philosopher Arndt I want to see the development of a German state “as far as the German tongue is heard”
http://www.svz.de/vtour/greifswald/GREIFSWALDP/E-M-ARNDT.JPEG
German Philosopher Hegel The German nation is better than other European nations by reason of its superior culture
http://web.upstate.edu/lufte/hegel.jpg
The Brothers Grimm The Grimm brothers played a very important role in encouraging a German national identity. Their collections of fairy tales demonstrated the cultural similarities rather than the cultural differences of the German people.
The Brothers Grimm Their “fairy tales� were set in different parts of Germany. This was their attempt to try to show that Germans had a common identity and were united by a common culture
Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella
Jacob Grimm One of the brothers Jacob, also believed that a German national identity should lead to national political unity. As a result, he strongly supported the 1848 revolution and became a representative in the Frankfurt Parliament.
However the Romantic Movement were not the first group to promote German nationalism
Life after Larbert High When you go off to university, you will have the opportunity to join a wide variety of societies – some of which you may be ashamed of in your later years You will find that when the university proposes a change to the rules, some will take to the street and exercise their right to protest Even if they don’t fully understand what they are protesting about!
Aberdeen student protesting about the quality of accommodation provided by the university
St Andrews Students protesting against theof rise of Protest against the rise tuition fees fees in England and Wales
Aberdeen students protesting against the salary increase for the Principal of the university
Burschenschaften During the Napoleonic Wars, student societies were formed – these were dedicated to seeing the French driven out of Germany Often those involved were passionate about the cause, hence known as Romantics, but they did not have a clear idea as to how they could achieve their aims
Honour Fatherland Freedom A student society badge
In 1819, a member of an extreme nationalist student society murdered a secret agent of the Tsar (ruler of Russia) This gave Metternich the excuse he wanted He used Austria’s influence over the Bund to outlaw student societies, monitor universities and introduce press censorship
These were known as the Carlsbad Decrees
Early German satirical cartoon on censorship
‘The Carlsbad Decrees certainly succeeded in keeping Germany quiet for a considerable period of time’ Finlay McKichan
There There was was aa students students march march to to Hambach Hambach Castle Castle during during the the Hambach Hambach Cultural Cultural Festival Festival in in 1832 1832 –– 25,000 25,000 students students attended attended
Two years after the Hambach Festival, the Young German Movement was formed Quite similar to today’s Young Scots for Independence (Youth division of SNP)
In 1847, despite censorship, the first national German newspaper was established Die Deutsche Zeitung helped to spread nationalist ideas throughout the German states
The Effects of the Romantic Movement on the Growth of German Nationalism
Successes Helped to restore German pride after the French conquest Helped Germans to appreciate their cultural similarities rather than their differences Helped to spread cultural awareness among Germany’s middle classes Encouraged middle class Germans to support the political unity of the 39 German states
Failings Liberalism and nationalism remained largely middle-class before 1848 Andreina Stiles It failed to attract the working class Germans in large numbers Remained the realm of the literate
Is culture important for unifying a people group?
Cultural Nationalism – that unity was more important than individual rights and that what mattered was the preservation by the State of German identity and culture.
Just a minute You have 60 seconds to tell me as much as you can about: Cultural Nationalism
Economic Factors
Economic Factors The population in the German states grew rapidly from 1816 and 1854, so more workers began to work in factory production work. German States produced 1.6 million tonnes of coal per year in the 1820s and this increased to 6.1 million tonnes by the 1840s.
So as the German States became more industrialised, it became increasingly important that they co-operated more together so industrialisation pushed unification.
However the German states were still far behind Britain in terms of production and industrialisation.
Discuss with a Partner Have a look at the map of the German Confederation Can you think of any reasons why trade between states might have been difficult at times?
Discuss with a Partner Have a look at the map of the German Confederation Can you think of any reasons why trade between states might have been difficult at times? Which state would have benefitted the most from a less complicated situation?
Ian Mitchell suggests that political fragmentation of the German states was the most important obstacle to German economic development
Power of Prussia Gained the Rhineland after 1815 Rich in coal and iron
Prussia 2nd Largest German State
Now had land in the East and West of the Bund Wanted more cooperation and free trade with it’s neighbouring states
Territory gained by Prussia after the Congress of Vienna Prussia’s original territory pre-1815
Prussia wanted to reach an agreement with neighbours to ensure relatively free travel of goods and people between its lands in the east and the west.
As Prussia began to draw upon its newly acquired resources, the balance of power within the Confederation began to shift in her favour
Zollverein German Customs Union, it was a coalition of German states formed to manage customs and economic policies within their territories, established in 1834 The ‘mighty lever’ of German unification. By 1836, 25 of the 39 German states had joined this economic free-trade area
These 25 states were economically interdependent
Austria was excluded from the Zollverein – treated like a foreign country
The Zollverein promoted economic development within the 25 member States: 1820 Railways (km)
1840
1850
1870
549
5,821
8,560 29.4
Coal (million tons)
1.0
1.4
6.9
Iron (million tons)
0.046
0.17
0.53
The Success of the Zollverein Railway Railway Building Building (kms) (kms)
1820 1850
1870
Coal Coal Production Production
1820 1850 1870
Iron Iron Production Production
1820 1850 1870
But it could not create economic unity amongst the 39 states. This would need the creation of: A single German currency across all the states A standardised system of weights and measures A national banking system A single taxation system
These could only be introduced by a united Government
I support a united Germany. It will help to increase economic development even more than the Zollverein
There Therewas wasstrong strongsupport supportfor for German Germanunification unificationamong among businessmen, businessmen,traders, traders, merchants merchantsand andfactory factoryowners owners
Views on the Zollverein
Little by little, under the direction of Prussia‌ [the] states which make up this union will compose a more or less compact body, acting in common. Chancellor Metternich
It would be inappropriate to see the Zollverein as the forerunner of German political unity. There is ample evidence to show that Prussia did not have it all its own way in this Union and many members refused to be bullied by Prussia into taking its lead or advice. William Carr
Transport Development How were goods transported across the 39 states?
Transport Development post-1830s the development of railways/roads ended isolation of German states from each other. Prussia was the first state to introduce a railway system
This enabled the transport and exploitation of German natural resources. Economic co-operation between German states encouraged those seeking a political solution to the issue of German unity.
Transport = Communications Revolution William Carr, a modern historian argues: ‘A communications revolution “facilitated the dissemination of ideas and the discussion of issues at national level for the first time.”’
Carr quotes a prominent German radical Jacob Venedy in 1835:
“In ten years when all great towns and capital cities are connected by rail, Germany will be another country and the prejudices which have divided the German people so much up to now and which have given our oppressors such easy mastery will cease to exist�. What does this mean?
Economic Nationalism – that unity would remove the trade barriers between states and this would allow economic growth and prosperity.
Opinion Lines Which is the most important factor in defining German Unity? Cultural Nationalism Economic Nationalism
Political Factors
Nationalism as a Uniting Factor – The French Scare (1840)
Discussion Point Does politics unite us as a people or divide us?
1840 French Scare
The French King, Louis Philippe needed a foreign policy success to maintain his authority and was prepared to alter the European balance of power to do so.
The Rhine Crisis 1840 This was started by the French when they revived their claim to the Rhine as a natural frontier What is so special about the Rhine?
The Rhineland was rich in coal and iron – develop French industry This had been its border up until the Congress of Vienna Louis Philippe believed that this would unite his French subjects under the banner of Nationalism and Justice
What it actually led to was widespread demonstrations throughout the German States.
Ordinary Germans now rose to the defence of the fatherland. For the first time, Nationalism was not confined to educated classes The influence of nationalist philosophy over large numbers of ordinary Germans was shown for the first time
Enhanced reputation of Prussia among German nationalists as she took the lead over Austria
What do you think happened next?
Faced with such opposition, Louis Philippe backed down
Why is the French Scare significant?
This demonstrated that the population of the German Confederation were able to unite together, under the leadership of one state, against a common enemy who threatened their identities
But without a threat to bring them together, the effects of political nationalism began to fade and unification seemed a distant dream
Opinion Lines Which is the most important factor in defining German Unity? Cultural Nationalism Economic Nationalism Political Nationalism
Political Factors 1848
The Year of Revolutions 1848 saw revolutions break out across Europe Members of the middle class, working class and the peasantry rose up against their rulers in the name of change Many believed the revolutions to be on the same scale as the French Revolution of 1789
This map displays all the locations of revolutions staged in 1848
How many revolutions broke How many out inrevolutions the German broke Confederation? out in Europe?
Of the 7 revolutions Why do you think there Why which broke you think out this in the wasdonot a rebellion inis? Bund,Britain? which state suffered the most?
Prussia
Austria
France
What does this cartoon tell us about the reactions of the leading members of the Bund towards the revolutions?
Revolution first broke out in France in February
Instead of being a self-contained revolution, like the 1832 French Revolution (the student revolution in Les Mis), the revolutionary spark spread
Which What nations do you arethink represented Sorrieu in is this suggesting painting? in this painting?
Universal Democratic and Social Republic (1848) Frederic Sorrieu
Click on the picture below to watch a performance of the song ‘Do you hear the people sing’ Whilst listening to the song, try to identify the lyrics that link the ideals behind the revolutions and the images that you have just seen
The Barricade of the street Soufflot, Paris, February 1848 Horace Vernet
In March, revolution broke out in Berlin (Prussia) and Vienna (Austria)
Those supporting the revolution had two demands: Democratic Reforms & National Unity Metternich was forced to flee for his life when the revolt broke out in Vienna
Nationalists at the barricades during the 1848 revolution in Berlin
What stands out in the above picture?
The uprisings forced the rulers to introduce democratic reforms – the Prussian King Frederick William IV appeared to take the lead
Frederick William IV announcing his support for the revolution
In an attempt to solve the ‘unification’ problem, a parliament was established in Frankfurt
574 delegates met here at Frankfurt – it looked as if the nationalists had won. It met for the first time in May 1848
The Parliament was given the task of creating a constitution for a united Germany
But the members spent most of their time arguing what a united Germany looked like Grossdeutschland vs. Kleindeutschland
Eventually in April 1849, a constitution had been devised Germany would have a constitutional monarchy Austria would not be a part of the united Germany
But who would be King? The Frankfurt Parliament offered the crown to Frederick William IV of Prussia
Frederick William IV’s response Every German nobleman is a hundred times too good to accept such a crown moulded out of the dirt and dregs of revolution, disloyalty and treason Frederick William IV (1849) In other words, he would not pick up the crown ‘from the gutter’ and would only accept it if it had been offered to him by his fellow rulers
End of the Revolution By June 1849, the rulers of the 39 states were regaining political control over their territories The revolutions were suppressed using the armies The political reforms were reversed The Nationalists were arrested The Frankfurt Parliament was dissolved
Why did it fail? Six reasons have been put forward as to why the revolution failed – 1. Revolutionary leaders had no clear aims of what they wanted to achieve
2. Unlike the French Revolution of 1788, where Louis XVI lost his head, the monarchs of the 39 states retained their power – they later used this to regain control
Why did it fail? Six reasons have been put forward as to why the revolution failed – 1. Revolutionary leaders had no clear aims of what they wanted to achieve 2. The monarchs of the 39 states retained their power – they later used this to regain control 3. The reforms which were passed were easily reversed
Reasons for failure cont. 4. Revolutionaries themselves were divided – some
weren’t even revolutionaries 5. The Frankfurt Parliament was dependant on Prussia –
without her support the Parliament could do nothing 6. The rulers of the 39 states realised that a united
Germany did not serve their best interests – only one of them could be the Emperor of a united Germany
Aftermath Frederick William IV began to have second thoughts regarding his refusal He was still keen on the idea of a united Germany created by Prussia. He suggested the creation of the Erfurt Union – this would be a limited form of unity within which Prussia would control the army and foreign policy
The Humiliation of OlmĂźtz Austria was not willing to accept the creation of such a union it effectively created a Kleindeutschland Instead they put forward the idea of re-creating the Confederation based upon its prerevolutionary ideals Prussia was not in a position to challenge Austria and capitulated to her demands Austria once again dominated the German Confederation
Opinion Lines Which is the most important factor in defining German Unity? Cultural Nationalism Economic Nationalism Political Nationalism Year of Revolutions
Conclusions There was a considerable growth in nationalism in Germany between 1815 – 1851 Cultural developments promoted a sense of German identity and national consciousness Economic growth and free trade helped to promote economic unity
However political nationalism suffered a setback when the revolutions were quashed It was now apparent that Germany could not exist as a united, political entity until the conflicts between the monarchs and middle classes and between Prussia and Austria were resolved
Peace of Prague 1840 – French Scare 1819 – Carlsbad Decrees
1815 – Congress of Vienna
1834 – Young German Movement
1832 – Hambach Cultural Festival 1834 – Zollverein was established
1849 – Frankfurt Parliament dissolved 1847 – Die Deutsche Zeitung established
Seven Weeks 1864War War with Denmark 1866 – 1862PrussianThe ‘Blood Italian and Iron’ Alliance Speech
1848 – Year 18521865of The London Convention Revolutions Protocol of Gastein 1863Frankfurt Christian IX Parliament becomes met King of Denmark Meeting at Biarritz
1870 – FrancoPrussian War
18691871 – Kaiser The Spanish Wilhelm of Candidature Prussia was crowned the first emperor of Germany
1. How important were economic factors in the growth of
national feeling in Germany during the period 1815 to 1850? (How important was one factor in the Growth of Nationalism) 2. By 1850 supporters of nationalism had made significant
progress in their aims. How valid is this view? (Overall Growth of Nationalism) 3. ‘The German princes were the most important obstacle
to German unification before 1850.’ How valid is this view? (Obstacles to Growth of Nationalism)
How important were economic factors in the growth of national feeling in Germany during the period 1815 to 1850?
Task Individually, create either an Analysis Map or a detailed essay plan for the essay question on the previous slide Example of a detailed essay plan This task has to be finished as homework as I am going to take them in and have a read through them You will then get the plans back and sit the essay under timed conditions