Germany's Growth, Evolution, and Founding between the Seventeenth and Nineteenth Centuries

The German state was founded over a broad period of time which consisted of several wars, leadership disputes, dynasty battles, border conflicts, and many other quarrels. It wasn’t until 1871 when the German state was ultimately founded. However, there are records of there being an idea of a German state as early as the seventeenth century, when in 1656 political philosopher Ludwig von Seckendorff declared that “a ‘German nation’ existed in the political sense” (Schulze 86).  Additionally, “In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries ‘German’ still referred only to a language, nothing more, and at times even the prospects for its future were murky (Schulze, 86). Hagen Schulze described in Germany: A New History that the national boundaries in Europe shifted so often, as a result of major wars, that whole provinces and even empires changed hands (Schulze, 81). This “shifting of hands” is a compelling issue which led to Germany’s vast cultural and political diversity that would evolve throughout the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. Also, various wars during the 18^th century, including both the first and second Silesian Wars and the Seven Years’ War, altered the path of Germany’s future. “After the Seven Years’ War, it might have appeared as if the world of German states had broken free from the empire to a large degree and caught up with their neighbors in the European system as sovereign powers capable of political action” (Schulze, 84). These small states and their distinctiveness are what led to Germany’s complex and distinguishing identity today. Hagen Schulze writes, “The nation grew, in fact, precisely because of its fragmented identity and the practical requirements of a multitude of small states and governments” (Schulze, 89). German identity would only evolve more as the nation grew.

The Battle of Hochkirch, October 14, 1758 during the Seven Years' War.

Early in the nineteenth century, on July 12, 1806, sixteen states in south and southwestern Germany signed an act which abolished any connection they had with the empire and established a protectorate under Napoleon (Schulze, 99). This act may be seen as one of the major points in Germany’s history. Before this point, Germany had been doubtful without the protective covering of the empire. The French were now making their way through Germany, causing devastation as they pillaged the land. Philosopher Johann Gottlieb Fichte delivered his “Addresses to the German Nation” in occupied Berlin during the winter of 1806-1807. In the addresses, he declared that “the nature of the German people was genuine and unspoiled, and that by fighting for their own identity and freedom from French military and cultural domination, Germans were serving the cause of progress” (Schulze, 104-5). During this time, Germans were fighting for their identity; their identity which had been continuously undefinable. War would eventually cease, following the Wars of Liberation in 1813 and 1815, and Germany would enter a phase called Biedermeier. This period lasted two decades and was a time when there was no war in Europe.

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), Emperor of the French and de facto ruler of all western and central Europe. 

"A Break in Negotiations at the Congress of Vienna: In the fall of 1814 representatives of the European nations met in Vienna to decide on a new order for Europe - including Germany - after Napoleon's downfall."

A German Reading Room. During the phase called Biedermeier, literacy rates rose to nearly half - "a true revolution."

In 1840, there was a “rebirth of German nationalism and strong growth in the organizations promoting it” (Schulze, 119). On October 10, 1847, “leaders met in Heppenheim and issued a demand for a federal German state with a strong central government that would be answerable to parliament” (Schulze, 121). Later, on May 18, 1848, “the German National Assembly – 585 elected representatives – convened in Frankfurt to draft and adopt a constitution that would guarantee basic freedoms and to elect a national government” (Schulze, 124). One problem that arose during this time was deciding which regions would be part of the new Germany. Two possible solutions emerged; one being Groβdeutschland, “Great Germany,” which would consist of all German regions including Austria and be headed by a Hapsburg emperor. The second solution was called Kleindeutschland, “Small Germany.” This would exclude the Austrian areas and be ruled by a Hohenzollern emperor. Unfortunately, the Revolution of 1848-49, for the most part, would eventually fail. However, the following two decades would consist of another rebirth of German nationalism. The German National Association (Small Germany) and the German Reform Association (Greater Germany) were formed in 1859 and 1862, respectively. Then, in 1866, war ended. Schulze explains “The war that ended at Koniggratz has been seen in retrospect . . . as a step toward German unity (Schulze, 141). The Treaty of Prague ejected Austria from Germany and created the North German Confederation. The Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 would lead to German victory, concluding on May 10, 1871. “Political unification of the allied German states proceeded in tandem with the events of the war” (Schulze, 144). Finally, southern Germany joined the North German Confederation and formed a German Empire.

German unification by no means came about solely on orders from above, from the ruling princes and their governments, but also as a result of clamor from below, from the forces of the liberal, middle-class national movement, and the result was accordingly not a Great Prussia but a German Empire. (Schulze, 145)

The German National Assembly - 585 elected representatives - convened in St. Paul's Church in Frankfurt to draft and adopt a constitution that would guarantee basic freedoms and to elect a national government.

            Overall, Germany faced many challenges in its three-century long bout for creation. Wars, conquests, and sovereignty discrepancies led to slow progress for Germany’s founding. However, it was the “forces of the liberal, middle-class national movement” that would preserve Germany’s identity as it was, and who would help permanently establish the German Empire. What was formed was a complex, diversified, and distinctive Germany that has been constantly evolving for hundreds of years, creating the Germany that we know today.

Classical-style German architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel's Neues Schauspielhaus ("New Theatre") in Berlin; now the Konzerthaus Berlin.