Explain why the Frankfurt Parliament collapsed.
Level
AS LEVEL
Year Examined
2022
Topic
The Russian Revolution, 1894–1921
👑Complete Model Essay
Explain why the Frankfurt Parliament collapsed.
Explanations for the Collapse of the Frankfurt Parliament
The Frankfurt Parliament, established in 1848 with the ambitious goal of unifying the fragmented German states, ultimately failed to achieve its objective. Numerous factors contributed to its demise, encompassing internal divisions, external pressures, and a lack of popular support. This essay will delve into the key reasons behind the collapse of this pivotal assembly.
Lack of Prussian Support
One of the most significant blows to the Frankfurt Parliament was the refusal of Frederick-William IV of Prussia to accept the imperial crown offered to him. This rejection was pivotal because it deprived the Parliament of much-needed military and economic support from Prussia, the most powerful German state. Without Prussian backing, the Parliament lacked the means to enforce its decisions and implement its policies effectively. This effectively crippled the Parliament’s authority and weakened its position in the eyes of the German people.
Internal Divisions: The 'Greater' vs. 'Little' Germany Debate
The Frankfurt Parliament was deeply divided over the question of German unification. The two main factions advocated for contrasting visions: a 'Greater Germany' that included Austria under Catholic Habsburg leadership, and a 'Little Germany' excluding Austria and led by Protestant Prussia. The compromise reached in October 1848, incorporating only Austria's German lands, satisfied neither side and was ultimately rejected by Austria. This internal strife weakened the Parliament and hindered its ability to present a united front.
Lack of Popular Support
Criticized as the 'Parliament of Professors,' the Frankfurt assembly was dominated by middle-class professionals and academics. It failed to connect with the lower classes and gain widespread popular support. The Parliament's rejection of the Industrial Code, which aimed to protect workers' rights, further alienated the working class. This lack of popular legitimacy undermined the Parliament's authority and made it vulnerable to attacks from both conservatives and radicals.
Lack of Legitimacy and Withdrawal of Delegates
The Frankfurt Parliament was established by revolutionaries and lacked formal recognition from the German Confederation. This lack of legitimacy ultimately proved fatal. When Austria recalled its delegates in April 1849, it set off a chain reaction. Prussia, Saxony, and Hanover followed suit, further diminishing the Parliament's authority. By the time it was dissolved in June 1849, the Frankfurt Parliament was little more than a rump assembly, stripped of its national representation and rendered powerless.
Conclusion
The collapse of the Frankfurt Parliament can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors. The refusal of the Prussian king, coupled with deep internal divisions and a lack of popular support, fatally undermined its authority. Its lack of legitimacy, stemming from the absence of formal recognition by the German Confederation, ultimately led to its downfall. The Frankfurt Parliament serves as a poignant reminder that even the most ambitious political projects can falter without strong leadership, unity, and popular support.
**Sources:**
Lee, Stephen J. *Aspects of European History 1789–1980*. Routledge, 2016.
Sperber, Jonathan. *The European Revolutions, 1848–1851*. Cambridge University Press, 2005.
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Introduction
The Frankfurt Parliament, convened in 1848 with the ambition of uniting the German states under a liberal constitution, ultimately met its demise in 1849. This essay will argue that the collapse was primarily due to a combination of internal divisions, lack of support from key players like Prussia, and a failure to connect with the broader German populace.
Lack of Prussian Support
Frederick-William IV's refusal of the imperial crown severely hampered the Parliament's legitimacy and power. The absence of Prussian military and economic backing made it impossible to enforce decisions and implement reforms effectively.
Internal Divisions
The "Greater Germany" versus "Little Germany" debate crippled the Parliament's ability to present a united front. The eventual compromise, excluding Austria, further alienated key players and highlighted the deep ideological rifts within the assembly.
Disconnection from the Masses
The Parliament's composition, dominated by middle-class professionals, earned it the derisive nickname "Parliament of Professors." Its failure to address the concerns of the lower classes, particularly evident in the rejection of the Industrial Code, eroded public trust and support.
Lack of Legitimacy and the Rump Parliament
The Parliament's lack of formal authority, stemming from its unsanctioned formation, ultimately led to its downfall. The withdrawal of key states like Austria, Prussia, and others transformed the assembly into a powerless "rump" incapable of enacting meaningful change.
Conclusion
The Frankfurt Parliament's collapse was a multifaceted failure. While other factors may have played a role, its internal divisions, lack of support from major powers like Prussia, and its inability to connect with the broader German public were ultimately insurmountable obstacles. The failure of this liberal experiment had lasting consequences, delaying German unification and shaping the political landscape for decades to come.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Explanations for the Collapse of the Frankfurt Parliament
- The Prussian king, Frederick-William IV, declined the imperial crown offered by the Parliament, resulting in a lack of substantial military and economic support from Prussia. Consequently, the Parliament couldn't effectively implement its ideas and policies.
- The division within the Parliament between those advocating for a 'Greater Germany' under Catholic Austria's leadership and those supporting a 'Little Germany' led by Protestant Prussia contributed to its downfall. The compromise reached in October 1848 only included Austria's German lands, which Austria rejected, causing further discord.
- The Frankfurt Parliament earned the moniker 'Parliament of Professors' as it was primarily composed of middle-class members and failed to garner the support of the lower classes. Its rejection of the Industrial Code proposed by the Artisans’ Congress alienated the working class, eroding trust in the Parliament.
- The lack of legitimacy stemmed from the fact that the Parliament was not initiated by the German Confederation, leading to the recall of Austrian delegates in April 1849, followed by Prussians, Saxony, and Hanover delegates. Consequently, the Frankfurt Parliament devolved into a rump assembly rather than a national representation.
Various other valid reasons may have also contributed to the collapse of the Frankfurt Parliament.