How Significant Were The 1848 German Revolutions In Uniting Germany?

by edandre10 (student)

International Baccalaureate History

Eduardo Salazar

Aug, 28, 2012

IB History High

How Significant Were The 1848 German Revolutions In Uniting Germany

Eduardo Salazar

Aug, 28, 2012

IB History High

How Significant Were The 1848 German Revolutions In Uniting Germany

The 1848 German revolutions were held to accomplish many changes in the way different sates and Germany as a whole was being run (social, economical, and political). Why these revolutions failed is a cause of many different aspects. However, the 1848 revolutions did play a minor significance in the process of uniting Germany. Achievements of the 1848 revolutions that had a role in the unification of Germany were: the establishment of a national parliament, granting of concessions, the ascendancy of Prussia, and expansion of nationalism.

The Frankfurt parliament was established in 1848 for the purpose of changing Germany from separate, independent states governed by many monarchs into one unified Germany that was liberal and constitutionally governed (Sparknotes). Although the intentions of the Frankfurt Parliament seemed promising, it lacked power from Pym, Franklin, Mirabeau, and Cavour. The lack of actions and power convinced leaders (such as Fredrick Wilhelm) to never fully accept the Frankfurt Parliament and its push for a unified Germany. As stated “if the King of Prussia would not, Germany could not” (Farmer). The Frankfurt parliament’s views and aims towards a united Germany helped form a basis towards the later, actual unification in 1871. The parliament’s lack of actions, decisiveness, and power, however, also paved the road for the failure of the 1848 revolutions and the delay for a united Germany.

In 1848 concessions were made to state that unity was now conservative. A topic of discussion from these concessions was the Imperial Diet into a constituent assembly elected by the people. Meanwhile, others were more or less vague in discussion about a united Germany. These concessions forced liberals to elect between a united Germany or un-united Germany with democracy. This potentially led to broad popular support for unity. Once again setting a basis for the “united Germany” to come.

1848 further demonstrates the ascendancy of Prussia. During this time period Prussia faced a sizable economic expansion. This energized the economy ...

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In 1848 concessions were made to state that unity was now conservative. A topic of discussion from these concessions was the Imperial Diet into a constituent assembly elected by the people. Meanwhile, others were more or less vague in discussion about a united Germany. These concessions forced liberals to elect between a united Germany or un-united Germany with democracy. This potentially led to broad popular support for unity. Once again setting a basis for the “united Germany” to come.

1848 further demonstrates the ascendancy of Prussia. During this time period Prussia faced a sizable economic expansion. This energized the economy and increased economic fortune of its citizens. Prussia also became dominant because its increase government expenditure in its military. Finally, the Prussian constitution (December 1848) enabled rights to assembly, religion, and speech. Furthermore, it allowed a bicameral legislature. Additionally, King Fredrick still maintained significant power in government. This led to a more loosely governed germane which helped the cause of unification in 1874.

Throughout the revolutions a greater sense of nationalism was established. This was especially the case within the middle class (bourgeoisie) who were the leaders of public opinion. Nationalism developed in 20-30 years starting with the revolutions and was sustained to the unification. Nationalism was especially strong in the north, so much so that Bismarck could not ignore it. Visa versa, south had little to do with nationalism. However, the Nationalistic power in the north was enough to help pave the way towards a united Germany.

It is evident that the 1848 German revolutions did play a part in unifying Germany even if the revolutions did fail. The revolutions proved to be a “genuine turning point” (Farmer). The fact that during 1848 brief experiments with constitutions occurred assisted countries in believing in the strengthening of unity and leveling regional and social inequalities. It can also be noted that the liberal and democratic experiments were never lost in the reborn autocratic regimes. It is said that 1848 “left behind universal manhood suffrage as a great legacy of the continental revolution” (Farmer). Conclusively, while the revolutions were able to set basic ideas towards a united Germany through: the Frankfurt Parliament, concessions, ascendancy, and nationalism, it was just the beginning. With all that occurred in the revolutions, it does not suffice enough to now make the claim that the revolutions were of major significance to the unification of Germany.

Word Count: 598

Works Cited

"Europe (1815-1848)." SparkNotes. SparkNotes, n.d. Web. 04 Sept. 2012. <http://www.sparknotes.com/history/european/1848/section10.rhtml>.

Farmer, Alan. Nineteenth-Century European History. Oxford: Hardlines, 2001. Print.

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"Was Bismarck the Key Factor in the Unification of Germany?" Bismarck and the Unification of Germany. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Sept. 2012. <http://www.historyorb.com/europe/bismarck.php>.