German Unification

Introduction: Importance of German Unification00:00:09

German unification was the most important political development in Europe between 1848 and 1914. It fundamentally altered the balance of power by creating a German superstate around Prussia, where previously Austria and Prussia were the dominant German states.

Historical Context: Division in Germany & Rise of Nationalism00:01:04

The division in Germany can be traced back to the Holy Roman Empire. Napoleon's abolition of the Empire led to the consolidation of 300+ German states into 39, fostering German nationalism and the desire for a unified German state based on shared language and culture.

Dominant States & Models for Unification00:02:46

The Congress of Vienna left unanswered the question of who would dominate the german-speaking peoples. Two models arose: 'Grossdeutschland' (big Germany, including Austria) and 'Kleindeutschland' (small Germany, excluding Austria).

Zollverein: Economic Union00:04:03

The Zollverein, a German free trade agreement, abolished internal tariffs in northern Germany. This marked the first time in Europe where an economic union existed without a corresponding political union.

Revolutions of 1848 & the Frankfurt Parliament00:04:45

The Revolutions of 1848 led to the Frankfurt Parliament, a pan-German parliament, attempting to draft a constitution for a unified Germany based on liberalism. They proposed a constitutional monarchy with a two-house legislature.

Failure of Liberal Unification00:05:39

The Frankfurt Parliament offered the crown to Frederick William IV of Prussia, who rejected it, refusing to accept a crown from a legislature. This concluded the attempt of unifying Germany on a liberal basis.