Lecture Notes on German History and Nationalism

Germany Before 1800

• Political Organization:
  • Germany was a collection of many different states.
  • These states were loosely united under the Holy Roman Empire.
  • Napoleon I dissolved the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, raising questions about the future government.

Snow White and German Nationalism

• Cultural Identity:
  • The 1800s fueled interest in a unified German state and culture.
  • The Brothers Grimm collected German folk tales, such as Cinderella, Rumpelstiltskin, and Snow White.
  • Their collection helped create a shared German identity and culture.
  • Nationalism grew, emphasizing a strong identification with Germany.
  • It also had a dark side, promoting exclusion of minority groups, particularly Jews.

The German Confederation & Half Measures

• Post-Napoleon Organization:
  • After Napoleon’s defeat in 1815, the German Confederation was created.
  • Aimed to unite German-speaking states while limiting Prussia and Austria's power.
  • The 1848 revolutions saw conservative politicians gain power and expand Prussia’s influence.

Prussia’s Role & Militarism

• Bismarck’s Influence:
  • King Wilhelm I supported war against Austria, opposed by liberals.
  • Otto von Bismarck, a conservative, became a key figure, expanding military power and ignoring liberal opposition.
  • Advocated for "blood and iron" policy.
  • Prussia defeated Austria in 1866, leading northern German states to join Prussia.
  • War with France in 1870, orchestrated by Bismarck, unified German states further.
  • Resulted in the formation of the German Empire and acquisition of Alsace and Lorraine.

Bismarck's Diplomatic Balance

• Post-Unification Strategy:
  • Bismarck aimed to maintain power balance in Europe, avoiding challenges to Britain’s empire.
  • Held 1884 Berlin Conference for peaceful African land division.
  • His diplomacy was likened to juggling on horseback, maintaining European peace.
  • Dismissal in 1890 by Wilhelm II led to destabilization and eventually to World War I.
  • Bismarck’s nationalist policies would later influence mid-1900s German totalitarianism.

Questions Raised

1. How were political communities in Germany organized before 1800?
2. How did Snow White relate to German nationalism?
3. What role did violence play in forming the German state according to the author?
4. Why was Bismarck successful against internal and external opposition?
5. Is Bismarck an example of a 'big man' in history, or were broader forces more influential in historical change? Is he an exception?