The unification of Germany, c1840–71 - 2 Failure of revolution, 1848–51:…

The idea

In March 1848, crowds in Berlin erected barricades and clashed with troops, forcing Frederick William IV to withdraw the military and make concessions. He appointed liberal ministries under Ludolf Camphausen and Rudolf von Auerswald. However, conservative reaction grew, supported by the Junker class and the army. By late 1848, troops under General Wrangel reoccupied Berlin and dissolved the Prussian Assembly. In December 1848, Frederick William IV imposed a constitution retaining royal authority but initially providing universal male suffrage. This was amended in May 1849 to introduce a three-class voting system, ensuring conservative dominance. Thus the revolution in Prussia ended with a strengthened monarchy and limited liberal gains.

What earns the marks

• Describes the March events in Berlin, including the barricades, the role of the crowds, and the initial withdrawal of troops by Frederick William IV.
• Explains the response of Frederick William IV, such as his promises of reform and his appointment of a liberal ministry.
• Analyses the nature of liberal government in Prussia, including the Camphausen and Auerswald ministries and their limited achievements.
• Explains the conservative reaction and counter-revolution, including the role of the army, the Junkers, and the reoccupation of Berlin.
• Describes the Prussian constitution of December 1848, noting its authoritarian features and universal male suffrage, and its subsequent amendment to a three-class voting system in May 1849.
• Evaluates the extent to which the revolution in Prussia failed to achieve liberal and democratic aims.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assuming Frederick William IV was a committed liberal.

  Put it right: He made tactical concessions under pressure but remained attached to divine right monarchy and later reasserted royal authority.

• Claiming the December 1848 constitution introduced the three-class voting system.

  Put it right: The December constitution provided universal male suffrage; the three-class franchise was introduced in May 1849.

• Treating the counter-revolution as solely a military event.

  Put it right: It also involved political manoeuvring, such as the appointment of conservative ministers and the dissolution of the Prussian Assembly.

Exam tips

• Use specific dates, such as 18–19 March 1848 for the Berlin barricades and 5 December 1848 for the constitution, to show precise knowledge.
• When discussing the response of Frederick William IV, distinguish between his initial concessions and his later reversal to demonstrate understanding of his changing strategy.
• Link the Prussian events to the wider German revolution, for example by noting how the Prussian king's refusal of the imperial crown in 1849 also undermined the Frankfurt Assembly.