How Strong Was German Nationalism by 1850?

By 1850, German nationalism was a growing force, fueled by economic development, intellectual currents, and a burgeoning sense of shared identity. However, it faced significant obstacles, including political divisions, social conservatism, and the resistance of established powers. Therefore, while the seeds of a unified German nation were sown, they were far from blossoming.

One of the key drivers of German nationalism was the economic transformation of the German states. The Congress of Vienna (1815) awarded Prussia valuable territories along the Rhine, rich in coal and iron. This facilitated rapid industrial growth, exemplified by the booming Ruhr region. Furthermore, the establishment of the Zollverein (1834), a customs union encompassing most German states, fostered economic integration and a sense of shared economic interests. This burgeoning economic power led to the rise of a prosperous middle class, who increasingly saw a unified Germany as essential for their continued prosperity and influence. As historian David Blackbourn argues, "The Zollverein was not simply an economic arrangement; it was a powerful symbol of potential German unity." (Blackbourn, The Long Nineteenth Century: A History of Germany, 1780-1918)

Complementing this economic unity was a growing awareness of a common German culture. The Brothers Grimm, for instance, collected and published folk tales, highlighting shared cultural roots. Academic studies, such as those on the Germanic languages, further emphasized the common origins of the German people. This cultural awakening, intertwined with the concept of a distinct "Volk," provided a powerful emotional basis for national unity.

The revolutions of 1848 seemed to demonstrate the potential of German nationalism. Demands for political reform and unification swept the German states, culminating in the Frankfurt Parliament. The assembly, representing a broad spectrum of liberal opinion, drafted a constitution for a unified Germany under a constitutional monarchy. Although ultimately unsuccessful, the Frankfurt Parliament demonstrated the potent desire for unity among many Germans, particularly among the educated middle classes.

However, despite these developments, German nationalism remained a fragile force by 1850. Crucially, the revolutions highlighted the deep divisions within German society. While liberals yearned for a modern, unified nation-state, the lower classes, particularly the peasantry, remained largely untouched by nationalist sentiment. Their primary concerns centered on subsistence and local issues, not abstract notions of national unity. This lack of broad-based support fundamentally weakened the nationalist movement.

Furthermore, the existing political structures presented formidable obstacles to unification. The German Confederation, dominated by Austria, actively opposed any move towards a German nation-state that threatened its position. Within Prussia, the largest and most powerful German state, the monarchy remained deeply conservative and hostile to liberal nationalism. King Frederick William IV’s refusal of the "crown from the gutter" offered by the Frankfurt Parliament symbolized the enduring strength of traditional authority. As historian Christopher Clark notes, "The revolution had laid bare the gulf that separated the liberal vision of the nation from the authoritarian realities of Prussian power." (Clark, Iron Kingdom: The Rise and Downfall of Prussia, 1600-1947)

The failure of the Frankfurt Parliament further underlined the fragility of German nationalism. Lacking any real power or military force, it proved unable to overcome the opposition of the German princes and ultimately collapsed. The Austrian victory at Olmütz (1850), crushing Prussian ambitions for a German union under its leadership, solidified the existing order and dealt a serious blow to the hopes of nationalists.

In conclusion, while German nationalism had made significant strides by 1850, its ultimate success remained far from certain. While economic integration and cultural awakening fostered a sense of shared identity, the lack of mass support, the resistance of the established elites, and the failure of the 1848 revolutions demonstrated the significant obstacles that lay ahead. The unification of Germany would require a different set of circumstances and leadership, one which could overcome these deep-seated divisions and harness the potential of German nationalism.