1. Prussia

2. Why did Prussia not extend its political influence within Germany after 1848?
Schleswig-Holstein and the Frankfurt Parliament- raised the prestige of Prussia
The German Confederation played such a little role in 1848 (due to Austria being preoccupied in its own Empire) that is could be considered to be obsolete
How could any Prussian ruler fill the power vacuum without risking the revival of radical and nationalist ideas?

3. Why did Prussia not extend its political influence within Germany after 1848?
March Assembly of German states at Erfurt- Baron Josef von Rodowitz- proposal:
- union of Northern German states under the Presidency of Prussia, and therefore under the protection of the Prussian army
Friedrich Willhelm- attractive to him- monarchist in approach and without Austrian interference, although Austria would be allowed in an economic union

4. Capitulation of Olmutz
The basis for this union- fear of German princes of a renewed Liberal onslaught- the conversion to a Kleindeutsch union was therefore based on fear
However the German princes were not just afraid of liberals, they were very afraid of Prussian power increasing, therefore 11 states refused to send representatives to Erfurt
The proposals were also doomed since they relied on Austria to be removed from German interests
- by 1850 Austria had solved its issues with Hungary and Italy and had full intention of “not being thrown out of Germany”

5. Capitulation of Olmutz
Hesse-Cassel- vital link between the two blocks of Prussian territory- constitutional crisis in 185- they looked to the German Confederation and Austria rather than Prussia for a solution
Prussia appeared ready to defend its prestige with force against Austria- but as Karl Marx wrote at the time- “in the end rebellious Prussia will bow to his command”- “his” is the Tsar of Russia
Austria and Russia were too mighty a foe to fight- meeting at Olmutz Nov Friedrich Willhelm gave in and agreed to a revival of the Confederation under Austrian presidency

6. Impact of Foreign Affairs- Crimea
The Crimean War proved to be a great stimulant of political change- Friedrich Willhelm decided on being neutral- accept Austrian preoccupation with Wallachia and Moldavia
Secured a peaceful border with Russia and kept Britain and France as, at least in nature, friends
The results of the war would benefit Prussia- Bismarck ridiculed Austria’s aims “to procure a few stinking Wallachians”