German Unification

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Impact of Metternich's System on Germany

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Metternich designed a system to maintain absolute monarchies in the Austrian empire and other European states, opposing liberalism and aware of the Austrian empire's fragility due to diversity.

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Beginnings of German Nationalism

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Napoleon's invasion spread Enlightenment ideas from the French Revolution across German States, leading to the concept of Volksgeist (spirit of the people).

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Battle of Leipzig 1813

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The defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Leipzig was a symbol of German identity and unity.

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Congress of European Nations in Vienna, Sept 1814

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Represented Austria, Prussia, Britain, Russia, and France (no decision-making powers) to restore stability after the French Revolution and wars.

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Influence of Metternich

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Metternich was concerned about nationalism's effect on the Habsburg Empire, wanted to restore absolute monarchies, and adopted censorship and repressive measures against radicals.

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The German Confederation

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Germany was reorganized into 39 states under Austrian control, with a diet in Frankfurt controlling foreign policies but allowing internal affairs management.

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Prussia's Role

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Prussia was the largest German state, part of the system designed to maintain Austria's power over German states.

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The influence of liberal ideas and the emergence of a middle class

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Educated middle class consisted of business people and professionals like lawyers. They opposed power remaining with Junkers and wanted constitutional monarchies, free speech, free press, fair trials, and free trade. Lower classes wanted democratic republics.

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Growth of nationalist ideas

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Most Germans felt regional loyalty. Support for national unity came from literate people and student associations. Religious differences existed, with southern states mainly Catholic and northern states mainly Protestant.

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Conservative reaction to nationalism and liberalism

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In August 1819, the Carlsbad decrees led to monitoring of university programs, removal of liberal teachers, dissolution of student organizations, censorship of newspapers, and investigations to root out liberal ideas.