Obstacles to unification

Introduction

difficult to define 'germany', much of Europe occupied by Holy Roman Empire
changed in the wars of 1792-1815 when reorganised into the confideration of the rhine
in 1815 allies met in Vienna and were determined to get of his legacy, Bund formed.
Bund made up of 39 representatives of german states
religion
strength of austria
lack of influence on ordinary germans
attitudes of other countries

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two main ides-Kleindeuchland, Grossdeutchland
differing views-barriers formed, caused an obstacle to unification
leaders of german states jealous of others position and power, feared would loose authority
german princes conscious they would lose power, promised a constitutional gov
Problem-only would occur in best interests of them/ when forced
Some believed austria would provide military protection
nationalists had chance to unite germany in formation of the Frankfurt Parliament but fell apart ue to indescion-no clear aims, money, no leadership

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chairman of bund given to austria, acted as a repressive force
20% of austria lay outwith germany , austria very much enjoyed controlling position they had
emperor of austria sought to keep bund weak as did not want to see creation of northern states in shape of Prussia
Metternich ensured that nationalist ideas would be curtailed through carlsbad decrees and 6 acts
Became clear that for any unity, strong leader and military needed

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Northern states protestant, relied on prussia, feared closer links with catholic states
southern states catholic, relied on Austria, feared absorption into protestant states
differing beliefs caused obvious friction and amniosity
neither willing to comprimise or give up on religeous identity

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britain, france, russia anti-unification
Russia-tzar ruled over different natonalities, friends with emperor of Austria, suspicious of Prussia's ambitions, feared revolution-in his best interests to stop that
France wanted to expand (ideally into Rhineland), knew it would be impossible if Germany united
united germany would be economic threat to Britain bc it would be far more competitive so would cause Britain to lose markets

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nationalists views expressed in uni by famous composers, writers -not everyone went to uni
Van Beethoven, Brothers Grimm
80% of germany peasants-couldnt afford recitals etc
Poor-no education, could not read and be influenced by them

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