The Challenge of German Nationalism Factors affecting change in the nature of german nationalism

Overview of Change Period – nationalism Liberal in nature, limited to small section of society Period – movement under Prussian control – Nationalism became populist, chauvinist, aggressive

1. The Role of Austria Bund established 1815 – Dualism Metternich’s fear of nationalism & liberalism Metternich’s policies eg Carlsbad Decrees & Final Act of Vienna Control re-asserted at Olmutz Economic & political decline after 1850s

2. Fear of France Consequences of decisions at Vienna for a) Austria b) Prussia 1840 Rhineland Crisis Problems posed by SGS after 1867 Effects on German Foreign Policy

3. Leadership No effective leadership – only Metternich! Frederick William IV unwilling to risk confrontation with Austria Bismarck working for ‘Kleindeutschland’ – a Prussian led Germany Strong national feeling under William II

4. The Economy Foundations of Prussian strength laid in 1815 Took lead after the setting up of Zollverein Bismarck encouraged spread of railways Importance of ‘Coal & Iron’ Economic boom led to social pressures Boom fuelled ‘Weltpolitik’