Liberal ideas

It was not simply nationalism that was

prominent in the 1800s; Liberalism was important

too.

Liberalism was the idea that ordinary people deserved

more of a say in their lives, not just to be dominated by

a monarch.

Arguments for

Rulers and monarchs were unlikely to give up power.

Many Liberals became nationalists to change how

Germany was run.

Liberals were inspired by the French Revolution, linking these two factors.

Role of students

Liberal ideas were prominent amongst university students.

Student societies supporting liberalism

(Burschenschaften) were set up. An influential group called ‘Young Germany’ started up in the 1830s.

1848 Revolutions

In 1848 a series of (often violent) protests were

held, demanding political reforms.

All German states were then invited to attend a meeting in Frankfurt in

March 1848.

Frankfurt Parliament

The Parliament agreed a plan to create a united

Germany.

However there was no clear agreement on what this should look like, and King Frederick William IV of Prussia withdrew his

support.

Arguments against

Until 1850, political and philosophical ideas were

still largely discussed amongst the middle and

upper classes

The working class wanted social reform; the middle

class wanted political reform.

Arguments against

Many richer Germans (such as Prussian Junkers)

were opposed to Liberalism, fearing it would

cost them power.

Liberal advances were often reversed, such as

press freedom in Prussia.