Obstacles to German Nationalism and Unification External Obstacles

Obstacles to German Nationalism and Unification

External Obstacles

Austrian Opposition • Prince Metternich (The Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs) was strongly opposed to German nationalism and was personally an major obstacle to the unification of Germany, as Austria was one of the leading German states and Austria held the Presidency of the Bund. • Metternich was a conservative and therefore strongly opposed to liberal ideas. Most German nationalists at this time were also liberals.

Austrian Opposition (contd. ) • The Austrians were keen to keep a ‘lid’ on nationalist sentiment in the German states, as, if it was left unchecked, nationalism could lead to the disintegration of Austria’s vast empire in south-east Europe. • If a Kleindeutschland was created, Austria would be excluded from German affairs. • It was, therefore, very much in Austrian interests to maintain the status-quo (i. e. the Bund).

Opposition from Other European Countries • None of the other Great Powers of Europe (Britain, Russia, France) wished to see a strong and united Germany. • This could potentially upset the balance of power in Europe. • The rest of Europe was therefore happy to see Germany weak and divided. This is why, at the Congress of Vienna in 1815, the 39 states had been retained.

Internal Obstacles

Religious Differences • The northern German states were mostly Protestant, and tended to look to Protestant Prussia for leadership, help and protection. • The Southern German states were mostly Catholic and tended to look to Catholic Austria for leadership, help and protection.

Opposition from the Rulers of the Individual States • The rulers of the individual states were obviously opposed to nationalism, as a unification of Germany would result in a reduction of their power and prestige. They therefore wanted to maintain the status-quo.

Divisions Within the Nationalists • The nationalists themselves were divided on whether ‘Germany’ should be a Kleindeutschland or a Grossdeutschland. • There were also divisions about whether a united Germany should be a monarchy or a republic. If it was to be a monarchy, there were divisions over who should take throne. • If there was to be a constitution, there were divisions about who would be entitled to vote and how the new German parliament would be structured.

Fear of Prussian Domination and Militarism • Prussia was one of the two leading German states and was fast becoming a major economic power. • The Prussians also had a militaristic outlook. • There was, therefore, a fear of ‘Prussification’.