Discuss the reasons for the growth of nationalism and liberalism in the German states during the Vormärz period.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for the growth of nationalism and liberalism in the German states during the Vormärz period. Reasons may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the growth of nationalism as a response to the earlier Napoleonic occupation, but that other events, in particular the Rhine crisis of 1840, contributed to nationalism. Some may argue that other reasons for the growth of liberalism were a reaction to the political structures of the individual German states themselves as obstacles for representative government or the support that the professional classes and intelligentsia gave to these ideas. Other relevant factors may be considered, such as the impact of the German confederation, the Zollverein, the role played by the Austrian Empire in fuelling nationalism and liberalism. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for the growth of nationalism and liberalism in the German states during the Vormärz period. Few responses were seen to this question. Some knowledge was shown of the role of the Zollvererin and the Austrian Empire.