For the first discussion board forum of HIEU 390 - Modern Europe, we will be discussing the growing tensions in Europe during the early 1800s. In particular, we will examine the political pressures in one of the two largest German states, Prussia.[1] There was an overwhelming rise in tension between the conservative ruler Prussian King Fredrick William IV, and the increasingly liberal public.[2]
King Fredrick William IV of Prussia was faced with student uprisings and protests among the people. “In the Prussian capital of Berlin, demonstrators agitated for liberal political reforms and in favor of German nationalism”.[3] What we see by the occurrence of these actions or the presence of these sentiments, is that the Prussian people longed for a government more closely aligned with their values. But even more so, the protestors were comprised of workers with strong economic goals, who had struggled through what is known as the “hungry forties”.[4] The peoples’ resolve intimidated their king and he proclaimed that Prussia would be merged with Germany in March 1848.[5] This underlying need amongst the people brought to mind the all too familiar factors which led to the French Revolution in the late 1700s.
The Prussian Parliament began drafting a constitution for Prussia in May 1848. Certain members of society were displeased with the constitutions and anti-revolution sentiment grew rapidly. Beginning as a protest for political reform, the tension in Europe soon became a battle between conservatives and liberal ideology. Kind Fredrick William IV pushed back at every turn, refusing a crown offered to him by peasants, declaring a state of emergency to dissolve the proposed constitution, and placing voting restrictions that heavily constrained liberals. His actions displayed how “the king and nobles feared being toppled from their privileged positions”.[6]
In conclusion, the conservative ruler of Prussia, King Fredrick William IV was concerned that a rise of liberal power would rob him of his throne, while the liberally inclined populace longed for political reform and state protection.[7]
Bibliography
Merriman, John M. A History of Modern Europe. 2. 4Th ed. Vol. 2. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company, 2019.