1848: "Prussians are shooting Prussians!"

Hello again! I am reviving this blog both to supplement what we learn in class and to help with review for the AP exam.

A possible FRQ question may read something like this:

Analyze how conservatism, liberalism, nationalism, and realism helped or hindered German unity between 1815 and 1871.

Since there is no need to address Metternich again, let's start with the failed 1848 revolutions in the German lands...

First, you may remember Carl Shurz's account on pg. 607 (Spielvogel Chapter 21). Shurz was the first German-born American senator. Here is a link to the full account (it has two more paragraphs). As you read this, relate it to Heinrich von Gagern's letter to his father on pg. 597.

Here is an interesting secondary summary of events, titled "The March Days of 1848" that provides some detailed information (for example, German nationalists also used a tricolor cockade and illustrations).

Finally, here is a great set of short Documents of German Unification 1848-1871 (Including the Imperial Proclamation!) NOTE: These would work well for DBQ point of view practice as well.

Since you do not have time to answer the above question in essay form, write down main points that you would use as evidence for each sub-topic.

We will go over this question in one of the May evening review sessions.