Liberal Nationalism’s Role in the Development of the German Nation-State

In German history, nationalism is the key to understanding the people and their history. The problem is that many see German nationalism as the events leading up to and following National Socialism, or Nazism. Others ignore the other major events in Germany’s history or see them as insignificant in comparison. It is true that Hitler and the Nazis were a major component in German history and it is impossible to overlook their role in history, not just in Germany but in the world. But to see the development of Germany, and more specifically German nationalism, as only revolving around National Socialism is to ignore the other factors that influenced their history as a nation. Throughout German history, other possibilities existed as alternatives to the imperialist and chauvinist nationalism displayed in the Wilhelmine Era and later under National Socialism. In contrast, liberalism, the most influential alternative, had an important role in the development of German history. The German liberal and progressive tradition formed the development of a German nation-state in the 19th and 20th centuries. Liberal and progressive nationalism pervades German history and its importance cannot be overshadowed by the typical nationalism mentioned when discussing the development of a unified German nation-state. The German national sentiment began when Napoleon united the German principalities from just under 400 to around 40 territorial units, destroyed the fading Holy Roman Empire, and brought an idea of a similar enemy to these newly united territories.1 It was not until 1848 however, that a serious attempt at unification was made. The Springtime of Nations in 1848 sparked revolutions throughout Europe, beginning in France. Liberals in the German-state revolted as well, although they were eventually unsuccessful. This led many to believe that the outcome of the 1848 revolution was the liberals’ only chance to vastly influence German history, but no revolutions in