Examiner's Specific Advice

Candidates are expected to assess the degree of change which occurred in the support for German nationalism from 1789 to 1919. They must attempt to address the whole period. At the beginning of the period, interest in nationalism was centred on literary and cultural ideas, and gained momentum as a result of the French Revolution and influence of Napoleon. This had both positive and negative effects among students and literate groups, who came to resent Austrian dominance and Prussian weakness. German nationalism received its greatest support from the liberal middle class during the period from 1815 to 1850. This class sought parliamentary government within the German Confederation area. To achieve this aim they believed the creation of a united German state an important prerequisite. Therefore, they opposed the autocratic ruler of monarchs. In 1848–49 they attempted to create a liberal, parliamentary united Germany, but failed. Candidates may mention that support for German nationalism in this period divided between supporters of an Austrian-led and Prussia-led German national entity. Following the unification of Germany under Prussia (1864–71), support for German nationalism changed. The rise of aggressive, racially motivated nationalism characterised the second half of the period 1871–1919. In particular, it was associated with the reign of William II (1888–1918). Weltpolitik and Mitteleuropa were policy aims which supported the creation of a German-dominated Europe with a large overseas empire. Also support for German nationalism came from the Pan German League, which wished to unite all German-speaking peoples in Europe. However, even after 1871 some liberals continued to support German nationalism, even the Bismarckian and Wilhelmine varieties. These were the National Liberals, who represented the business class.

 

Exemplar Question

1. To what extent did support for German nationalism change in the period from 1789 to 1919? [60 marks]

 

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