Birth of German Nationalism

"Black for the trim, Red for the coats, Gold for the buttons" (p.106)

In 1806, the Germanic people had yet experienced a country of their own. Previously encompassed in the Prussian Empire, an independent German nation had yet to thrive. A number of factors influenced the independence of the German Nation. Most importantly was the pressure of the French. Many citizens began to feel the Prussian Empire was weak in comparisons to the French nation. Influenced by this, many scholars and writers became outspoken (p.104-105)

Let unanimity be your church! Make hatred of the French be your religion, and let freedom and fatherhood be the saints to whom you pray.

                                                                                 Ernst Moritz Ardnt

         Words like this fuel the national movement coming. One could argue that this strong belief in unity influences later decisions made by the German people, i.e. world war.

Battle of Leipzig- Freiheitskriege

The War of Liberation truly gave the people the excitement of the “German Nation” (p. 106). Civilian outcry led to violence when completion of a new nation constitution was not being completed.  To squash revolutionary movements, the kingdoms of Prussia and Austria ended talks.

     Unrest spread through the land, yet actions were not taken. Small town life ruled these two years of long awaited peace. Underground, revolution was afoot. Not just in Prussia, but across Europe, beginning with Paris in 1830. In Prussia, the German national movement made its appearance at an All-German Festival. The movement multiplied in force ranging from the original university students to farmers.

     The crisis of 1840 greatly influenced the desires of German nationalism. The ideology of physical fitness and national defense went with this desire of nationalism. Throughout history, one can observe these traits in German culture. Continuous rebellions lead the way to the demand of the German Confederate to form a unified Nation.

Monarchs of German Confederation meet
in Frankfurt in 1863.

     The German identity evolved out of an early unified volunteer army. They had something to fight for, and this drove them to fight for unity among their own peoples. The nation of Germany exudes the ideals of nationalism, i.e. Weimar Republic and NSDAP. Formed from the working class, this nationalism created a strong country, sung through music and painted into history.

            Nationalism is defined as “patriotic feeling, principle, or efforts”. The people of the Germanic lands felt this overwhelming desire to unify for a common nation. This is why Germany formed, through the rebellions of the working people to have a nation to call theirs. Many trials stood in their way, yet the greatest oppression came from foreign countries, England and France, wishing to not lose the current balance of power in Europe.

German Revolution of 1848

       Compared to other strong nations, the feelings of nationalism are as important as military power in maintaining power. Without the desire to stay unified, a nation stands little chance of remaining in history. Such is the case with the turn of the Prussian Empire and German Confederation to the newly formed Germany. As mentioned above, throughout history German nationalism can be observed. One could argue it is this nationalism that help Germany survive its lengthy and tumultuous past.