Background: 1815 to 1852

Europe in 1815 Meeting of statesmen in Vienna following end of Napoleonic Wars Task was to re-draw the map of Europe To punish the losers & reward the victors Main issue was the future of France Emphasis was to be on the Concert of Europe – collective responsibility

Dominant powers at Vienna were : Austria Great Britain And not forgetting - FRANCE!

Buffer states created to contain France Kingdom of Netherlands Prussia Piedmont

Metternich’s influence seen in 2 key areas Note dominance of Austria in this area – ‘a geographical Expression’ The German Bund- Kept weak & divided

Metternich & Europe Austrian Empire ‘ Europe in miniature ’ 14 separate minorities under Hapsburg rule Major fear of Nationalism and Liberalism Metternich known as the ‘ Policeman of Europe ’ or the ‘ Coachman of Europe ’

Bund dominated by 2 powers Prussia in the north Austria in the south

“ Dualism ” Bund dominated by 2 Great Powers This not accidental – Austrian dominance of central Europe supported by Britain Austria had long tradition of influence in German affairs Prussia was to co-operate with Austria till the 1850s

Obstacles to unification ?

Obstacles to Unification Bund had 39 member states – separate govts, rulers, customs etc Religious divide – Protestant North & Catholic South Bund contained non-Germans & some Germans were excluded Diet met in Vienna Changes to constitution required ¾ agreement

The work of Metternich Opposed to concepts of Liberty & Equality Supported establishment of the Bund Carlsbad Decrees (1819) – German rulers to work against revolutionary activity Final Act of Vienna (1820)

The Zollverein Note the exclusion of Austria! Note the exclusion of Austria!

“ The Vor März” Name given to the period 1830s to 1848 Period of political stagnation Number of writers urging unification Common feeling was dislike of the French BUT there were too many states and too many vested interests

German Nationalism in the 1830s Little impact following events in France Evidence of activities amongst students Metternich ’ s reaction - 6 Articles (1832) Tight control of universities continued Radical writers banned as subversives

Hope in the 1840s? Zollverein growing in importance However growth of industry was slow Demands of Prussian middle classes Accession of Frederick William IV – character Allowed united Prussian Diet in 1847 Opposition to any kind of constitution very clear!

The Revolutions Call for National Parliament – meeting at Frankfurt Overwhelmingly m/class Constitution drafted Problem over sovereignty Major debate over inclusion or exclusion of Austrian Empire

Failure Authorities slowly regained control Splits evident amongst delegates Austrians rejected invitation Frederick William rejected crown Frankfurt Parliament dissolved End of German liberal hopes

Prussia vs. Austria – The Erfurt League 1849 Frederick William still had ambitions to unite Germany under Prussia Formation of the Erfurt League This was clear challenge to Austrian authority though Austria still in weakened state Clash over Hesse-Cassel led to Prussia backing down League dissolved at Olmutz Nov 1850