Although, to say that Nationalism played no part in the unification of Germany would be wrong. In 1815 Nationalism seemed to be appealing to greater numbers of Germans than before, increasing the chance of unification. This was due to the growing support of the German press leading to poems such as “Deutschland uber Alles”. Hence giving all “Germans” a common identity increasing nationalistic feeling. Another possibility was the threat of French invasion of the Rhineland in 1840. Although this did not occur it created a massive increase in nationalist sentiment to resist the “old enemy”
Another event that increased the shows of Nationalism in the unification of Germany was in 1864 when Denmark attempted to incorporate Schleswig and Holstein into its kingdom. Although they both contained German speaking populations they were part of Denmark in all but name, but when they appeared to be absorbed the outcry was so great that the king of Denmark was forced to reconsider. Many Germans viewed this as a violation of the Fatherland. Even though nationalists had no clear aim of how to unite “Germany” nationalism did play an important role of uniting the “German” people against a common enemy.
However, the main cause of German unification was Prussia’s economic dominance of the confederation. In 1818 at the behest of the industries in the Rhineland the Prussian Tariff reform law was initiated. This removed all domestic trade barriers and increased railway production, bringing the scattered German states closer together, thus increasing the chances of national unity. Although the Zollverein brought economic unity it should not be over emphasised as a force for political unity as many people at the time still saw this as undesirable.
The basis of Prussian power, to a great extent was its domination of the Zollverein and its rapidly developing economy, Prussia was an established economic power in Europe outstripping both Austria and France economically. Perhaps recognising the need to unify Germany by force Prussia’s military chiefs saw the potential in the railways to mobilise their troops. The Zollverein, although not directly responsible for the unification of Germany played an important part in Prussia’s victory over Austria in 1866 and France in 1870, eventually leading to national unity. Bismark recognised that “blood and iron” would unite Germany as Prussia now possessed the financial and physical resources (Saar coal fields) needed to maintain equip and transport it’s armies.
Perhaps the most important cause of German unification was Prussian patriotism. This was a major cause of German unification as it had considerable ramifications on the relationship between Prussia and Austria. The capitulation at Olmutz on 29th September 1851 after the collapse of the Erfurt union was a profound humiliation for Prussia who submitted to Austria. Many Prussians harboured a deep desire to remove the stain on their pride and regain their former dignity, ending “peaceful dualism”. This is perhaps the best indicator that it was Prussian patriotism, not nationalism that was the greatest cause of unification.
Another significant indicator that it was Prussian patriotism that led to the unification of Germany was the war with Austria in 1866. Since 1815 Austria had been keen to maintain her position as head of the German Confederation, hence she opposed any radical ideas of a united Germany, as it would decrease her standing. Grossdeutschland Nationalists were against the war, in fact many other states sided with Austria against Prussia. However, the Austrians were comprehensively beaten in only seven weeks with the final engagement at Sadowa. The result was the North German Confederation, consisting of all the states north of the River Main. This was a great step forward for unity, even if it was interpreted as expansion since Prussian hegemony was assured.
Possibly another cause of German unification was Otto Von Bismark’s manipulation of popular nationalistic feeling. He was a Prussian patriot, and being from the conservative Junker class he was naturally suspicious of what he saw as radical nationalist movements. However, it is clear that in the war against France in 1870 he used nationalism to his advantage. Bismark doctored the Ems telegram to incite the French public opinion against Prussia, many “Germans” still viewed France as the “old enemy” so when France declared war on Prussia the Nationalistic feeling in the southern German states led them to fight alongside Prussia.
However, these states were already obliged to fight for Prussia due to their military alliances Bismark, implied that the war was not an attack on Prussia, but on the Fatherland, on all Germans. He persuaded the southern states that to join with Prussia would ensure their safety against an aggressive France.
Although Nationalism contributed to German unification it would be incorrect to say that it was the most important cause. The historian EJ Feuchtwanger pointed out “1848 demonstrated crushingly the impotence of ideas without power”. Prussian Patriotism was the driving force behind unification combined with Prussia’s growing economy ensured national unity under Prussian leadership. Otto Von Bismark described it best “Germany doesn’t look to Prussia’s Liberalism, but to its power.”