2. The French Revolution
The 1789 French Revolution
saw the violent overthrow of
the monarchy.
All across Europe, many
ordinary people were inspired
to demand changes in their
own countries.

3. Arguments for
Seeing that change could be
achieved led to people across
Europe wanting their own reforms.
Many in the German states
believed the state princes would
not give up power, meaning a
united Germany was needed.

4. Arguments against
Many of the changes being
demanded were because of the
Industrial Revolution, not the
French Revolution.
People living and working
closer together demanded
changes to improve their lives.

5. Arguments against
The French Revolution helped
inspire Liberal ideas about
more people having a say in
the running of their country.
However most Liberals were
middle class and thus not a
large part of German society.

6. Influence of Napoleon
France, led by Napoleon
Bonaparte, had defeated and
dominated the various German
states, including Prussia.
Even after Napoleon’s defeat,
concerns still remained in parts
of Germany about French plans.

7. Arguments for
Clear link between French
influence on German nationalism
and France’s 1840 actions which
threatened the Rhine.
Without Napoleon it is unlikely
that the German Confederation
would have formed.

8. Arguments for
French domination of Europe led
to German embarrassment at
their lack of influence.
Throughout the 1800s, French
strength and empire were
resented and admired by many
people in Germany.