The challenge of German nationalism 1789–1919

This topic explores the development of German nationalism from the late 18th century to the aftermath of World War I. It begins with the fragmented Holy Roman Empire, where Germany was a patchwork of over 300 states, and traces the rise of nationalist sentiment influenced by the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Key events include the 1848 Revolutions, the unification under Prussia led by Otto von Bismarck, and the establishment of the German Empire in 1871. The topic concludes with the challenges of nationalism during the Wilhelmine era and its role in the outbreak of World War I, culminating in the collapse of the empire and the Weimar Republic's formation in 1919.

Understanding this topic is crucial because it explains how Germany transformed from a cultural concept into a unified nation-state, reshaping European politics. It highlights the interplay between liberalism, conservatism, and nationalism, and how figures like Bismarck used 'blood and iron' to achieve unification. The topic also examines the tensions between different visions of Germany—'Grossdeutsch' (including Austria) vs. 'Kleindeutsch' (excluding Austria)—and the impact of industrialization, social change, and militarism. For A-Level students, this topic provides a foundation for understanding 20th-century German history, including the rise of extremism and the two world wars.

Within the OCR A-Level specification, this topic is part of the 'British and German History' paper. It requires students to analyze primary sources, evaluate historical interpretations, and construct coherent arguments. Mastery of this topic involves understanding key turning points, such as the 1848 Revolutions, the Austro-Prussian War (1866), and the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71), as well as the role of nationalism in shaping domestic and foreign policy. Students should also consider the limitations of nationalism, including the exclusion of minorities and the authoritarian nature of the German Empire.