Question

We cannot hide the fact that the whole German question is a simple comparison between Prussia and Austria. In these states German life has its positive and negative--in Prussia, all the interests which are national and reformative [based on changed], in Austria, all that are dynastic and destructive. The German question is not a constitutional question, but a question of power; and the Prussian monarchy is now wholly German, while that of Austria cannot be. . . .We need a powerful ruling house. Austria's power means lack of power for us [Germans], whereas Prussia desired German unity in order to supply the lack of her own power. Already Prussia is Germany in origin. She will "merge" with Germany.

What elements of nationalism are found within this speech?

Answer 1

Answer: in this speach one can find several very important things typical for Centro-European nationalism: 1) consciousness of various German entities are still persisting, they still have their own identity (Bavaria, Hessen, Saxony, Hannover, etc.), 2) will and perhaps necessity to unify "Germany" under one ruling dynasty, 3) belief that it can be only Prussia that can unify all German territories. What is not exactly known at that time .....frontiers of that Germany.

Explanation: in the course of 19th century Germany continued not unified (like, for example Italy). In contrast to Italy, in German principalites there were no non-German dynasties. Course of event in the 19th century was quite clear ....push for republicanism and severing ties with older form of government (monarchy). German nationalists proved to be unable to reach a 1) unified Germany, 2) to form a republican form of government. Moreover there were animosities between Austria and Prussia. All these questions were resolved - for some quite surprisingly - by the WW I.