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.