Question

How did the Frankfurt Parliament lack popular support?

Answer 1

The Frankfurt Parliament lacked popular support due to its limited inclusivity, conservative opposition, regional divisions, and internal disagreements. These factors contributed to a perception of ineffectiveness and a failure to address the concerns and aspirations of a wide range of people in Germany at that time.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Frankfurt Parliament lacked popular support for several reasons:

• 1. Lack of inclusivity: The Frankfurt Parliament was convened in 1848 with the aim of creating a unified German state and drafting a constitution. However, its membership was limited to a small group of elected representatives, excluding significant segments of society such as the working class and peasants. This exclusion led to a lack of representation and support from these groups.

• 2. Conservative opposition: The Frankfurt Parliament faced strong opposition from conservative forces, including the aristocracy and monarchists. These groups viewed the Parliament as a threat to their power and privileges, and actively worked against its agenda. Their opposition further undermined the popular support for the Parliament.

• 3. Regional divisions: Germany at that time was a collection of independent states, each with its own interests and loyalties. The Frankfurt Parliament struggled to reconcile these regional divisions and unify the various states under one constitution. This lack of cohesion weakened its legitimacy and support among the people.

• 4. Disagreements and indecisiveness: Within the Frankfurt Parliament itself, there were disagreements among the representatives regarding the form of government, the role of monarchy, and the extent of democratic reforms. These internal divisions and the inability to reach consensus on important issues undermined public confidence in the Parliament's ability to effectively govern and bring about meaningful change.

Answer 2

The Frankfurt Parliament lacked popular support due to the members' lack of connections with the common people and the focus on national identity rather than engaging the population.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Frankfurt Parliament lacked popular support due to several reasons:

1. The members of the parliament were educated men, mostly lawyers, who did not have strong connections with the majority of the German population.
2. The revolutionaries were focused on debating issues of national identity and constitutional matters, but did not establish meaningful links with the common people.
3. The monarchs and their officials worked behind the scenes to regain control of their armies and support, while the parliament struggled to draft liberal constitutions.