2. The Liberals
Liberals believed in a fairer
society where the people had a
say – not just monarchs.
Many Liberals believed this
could only be achieved
through a united Germany
rather than smaller states.

3. The Middle Classes
The middle classes made the
biggest demands for political
change and German unity.
The middle classes paid the
most in taxes yet had little
influence on government
spending.

4. The Middle Classes
New German wealth was
created by the middle classes.
Unification meant more
economic opportunities.
Some middle class people also
read revolutionary texts.

5. Student groups
A great many students backed
liberal and nationalist ideas.
They became involved in
sometimes violent protests
and also set up student
societies (Burschenschaften)
to promote this.

6. Arguments for influence
Strong support for nationalism
for amongst Liberals, middle
class and students.
Group was growing in size
and political influence as
German economy grew.

7. Arguments against influence
Liberals, middle class and
students were often the same
group – not representative of
the entire country.
Poorer people lacked an
education to expose them to
new political ideas.