Throughout our reading of Germany a New History there are has been a reoccurring theme of
German freedom and statehood. In the time period from 1840 to 1871 Germany saw
its fair share of ups and downs. There was a general goal throughout the nation
that they wanted to become a state. However, it is extremely apparent that
there was not enough consensus of where to start that it failed at first. In
the years around 1840 France was again trying to expand its borders toward
Germany, much like Napoleon had tried earlier (pg 119). This movement started
mass protest in Germany, and reignited nationalism throughout the German
nation. This is unique because of the correlation it has with American history.
Throughout American colonialism Americans wanted independent freedom from Great
Britain. Much like the Germanic nation wanted their own state. Germans set up
own unique groups or movements like the “Turnbewegung” in order to get the
German people ready for statehood. This also compares to American history when we
were trying to gain independence by following groups such as the Sons of
Liberty that were men that later helped draft the Declaration of Independence.
The one thing that these groups had in common was that they were all educated
men.
Germans
throughout early history have been known as a very rural group of people and
also a very uneducated nation. Hagen gives us a great example on page 119 of
another reason why the press for independence was growing. He state in a
caption that “Around 1770 about 15 percent of adults in Germany could read and
write; by 1840 the number had grown by half—a true revolution.” The fact that
their literacy rate had grown by 15 percent in 70 years was a huge advantage
for supporters of independence. This meant that activist were able to spread
their word and feel comfortable that the German people were able to understand
the importance of the issue. Like Hagen said this improvement in German
education was a true revolution but there was also another revolution that paid
dividends to the cause.
Germany
also began to advance their industrial systems, this decision along with the
improvement in literacy rate were two of the key impacts on German
independence. In late 1835 Germany had exactly 3.7 miles worth of railroad
tracks. By 1848 there were over 3000 miles worth of rail cover twice as many
miles as France had (pg 130). This is a monumental feet for German people it
gave them the ability to transport goods and more importantly food across the
country. It also made travel much easier for important individuals that were
involved in the revolutionary efforts. It also allowed for military units and
materials to be transported very quickly. These advances played a huge part in
the Austro-Prussian War. Especially at the battle of Koniggratz, were the
Prussians halted the Austrian troops in July of 1866. The Prussian General
Helmuth von Moltke used rail and telegram to center his attack on one location
and devastate the Austrians (pg 141). He would not have been able to claim this
battle with out the advancement in technology due to the German industrial
revolution. Hagan says this “in light of the Prussian victory, as a step
forward to German unity” (pg 141). It was only a matter of 5 years later that
the former Prussian king would be named German Emperor. None of this would have been able to
happen if it were not for the German people being able to understand fully what
was happening in the situation through the climb in literacy, or the huge boom
of industrialization that allowed Germany to connect their country.
This picture represents the major rail industrial revolution that took place from 1835 to 1848 where Germans added over 3000 miles in track. This was later pivotal in trade and military transportation.
Otto von Bismarck was a master mind behind military techniques and development of an army. He posed as Minister President for Prussia during the time German independence took place.
This is a picture of Germany in the early 1800's. This picture shows the multiple kingdoms and principalities that were ruling during the time period. The mass amount of principalities played a huge part in gain independence because of the constant fight for who would get rights to power if there was unification.
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