Obstacles to german unification - nationalist divisions

Obstacles to german unification - nationalist divisions

1. Obstacles to German unification Nationalist divisions

2. Middle class v Peasants The middle class and peasants wanted to see changes. However the middle class wanted political change (like voting rights) but the working classes favoured social change (better living/working conditions). Obstacles to German unification

3. Austria included? Even amongst nationalists who wanted unification there was disagreement. Some wanted to include Austria ( Grossdeutschland ) whilst others did not ( Kleindeutschland ). Obstacles to German unification

4. Monarchy? Nationalists were split on the monarchy. They could not agree if: Germany should be a monarchy or a republic Who the monarch should be (such as Prussia’s Frederick William ) Obstacles to German unification

5. Main obstacle? Yes Peasants were the largest group in German society. Without their complete support it limited the ability to affect changes. Lack of clear aims enabled opponents to ignore demands. Obstacles to German unification

6. Main obstacle? No In spite of a lack of clear aims, both classes did sometimes work together e.g. 1848 revolution . Also, many peasants held genuine nationalist views. Obstacles to German unification