The Growth of Nationalism 1815 - 1850 Despite the obstacles, nationalism did grow between 1815 and 1850 due to: Cultural Factors Economic Factors Political factors

1. Cultural Factors Nationalist societies Created in the universities- lecturers and groups of students, middle class intellectuals, thinkers Created because The 1815 settlement in Vienna made few allowances to liberal and nationalist demands, so groups were created to increase pressure for change. Eg: Fichte: “Whenever a separate language is found there is also a separate nation which has the right to manage its affairs independently and rule itself.”

1. Cultural Factors 1817 The Wartburg Festival, Saxony. 500 students got together to celebrate the 4th anniversary of the defeat of Napoleon. Demonstrations against undemocratic government in Germany and Austrian interference in Germany. Burned books of anti-nationalist authors. Burned effigy of Metternich 1819 a student murdered anti-liberal writer, Kotzebue

1. Cultural Factors Response of Metternich to Wartburg demos: The Carlsbad Decrees of 1819. (draconian) Strict censorship of the press introduced in Germany Student societies suppressed Political meetings banned Liberal university teachers sacked Student leaders imprisoned

1. Cultural Factors The impact of Carlsbad decrees Suppressed German nationalism and liberalism for 30 years Emphasised the dominance of Metternich’s Austria

1. Cultural Factors Conclusion The importance of cultural nationalism in the growth of nationalism Promoted the idea that there was a common German identity Was never strong enough to unite Germany Limited to intellectuals and middle class (low numbers) Not well organised No military strength Did not appeal to the masses (working class)

2. Economic Factors Historiographical note: Some historians argue economic factors were a major force in unification. Others argue political factors were more important. We will look at the economic factors argument first

2. Economic Factors Population growth Growth of towns (urbanisation) 1816 – 25 million 1845 – 34 million Growth of towns (urbanisation) 1815 only 10% of Germans lived in towns By 1840s about 30% lived in towns Growth of industry (industrialisation) 1815 industry made up of small workshops, many still in rural locations. By 1840s large cotton mills, iron and engineering works appearing

2. Economic Factors The Zollverein