German - The Failure of The Frankfurt Parliament

When did the FFP first meet?

May 1848

What is a summary of the differences between the cliques with the FP?

1. Casino - liberal constitutional monarchists, educated bourgeoise: wanted strong central authority with P as leader

2. Württemberger Hof - mod liberals: greater autonomy for states, more cautious about centralised authority and P dominance

3. Café Milani - conservative monarchists, aristocrats: minimal change, preserve traditional monarchical structures

Who was able to vote for the representatives of the FFP?

85% of men were able to vote, based on tax, but they only voted indirectly for delegates - “electors” who chose the representatives

What was the impact of the disproportionality of the voting system?

It led to the FFP being unrepresentative of the people/ population

What was the FFP made up of?

The most well-educated Germans who were moderate and liberal. Only a small minority (the Donnersberg) were radicals

What was the key focus/ issue for the FFP?

Drawing up a constitution which was demanded by both the liberals and the radicals

What problem did the FFP encounter when discussing nationalism?

Whether to include Austria or not in Germany

Grossdeutschland vs kleindeutschland

Why was he geographical problem so difficult?

Because Austria had control of many German speaking states

If Gross then Germany would be Catholically ruled whereas Prussia is Protestant

Austria refused to accept a Klein - it would mean excluding Austria

There were lots of non-Germans in Germany

What did the FFP pass in December?

the Fifty Articles

What were the fifty articles, and what did it include?

The fundamental rights of a German citizen

1. Equality before the law

2. Freedom of worship

3. Freedom of the press

4. End of class discrimination

What were five weaknesses of the ffp?

1. Heinrich von Gagern

2. Internal divisions

3. Lack of popular support

4. Schleswig-Holstein

5. Lack of legitimacy

In what way did the FFP lack legitimacy?

It had not been initiated by the German Confederation and many European powers (France and Russia) refused to recognise the parliament

Who was Heinrich von Gagern and what was the problem?

He was the leader of the FFP and did not possess strong enough leader qualities to lead the parliament to success

Describe the problem of internal divisions in the FFP:

There was a conflict between the radical minority and the liberal majority. For example, whilst the radicals wanted to replace the princes with a republic, the liberals wanted to preserve a moderate settlement

This made it so that it proved impossible to reach a sufficient decision

Also a division between Catholic and Protestants on the debate of kleindeutcshland vs Grossdeutschland

Why did the FFP begin to loose popularity with the people?

1. Because it does not represent the general population

2. Not in tune with a large segment of the working class because they (liberals not caring for the social problem) rejected the Industrial Code (regulate hours & rates of pay), which was put foreword by German Artisans in the German Artisan Congress

What was an example of the FFP's weakness? Describe the events:

The Armistice of Malmo

Denmark wanted Sch-Hol, FP asked Prussian Army to step in , which it did

However Prussian Army quickly withdrew (Rus & Brit pressure) and agreed to Armistice of Malmo - a compromise

The Armistice of Malmo was considered a betrayal of the German national cause, but FFP was powerless to act

The FFP allowed this to pass through resulting in a sharp decline in their votes

What event during this parliament resulted in a counter revolution being formed and the discreditation of the radicals? And when was it?

18th September 1848 - Radical mob storming the Paulskirche. Violent, 80 were killed. Discredited the radicals and resulted in the moderate liberals joining forces and forming a counter-revolution with the conservatives.

What were some of the contents of the FFP's constitution and when was it published?

28th March 1849

1. Germany to be Kliendeutschland

2. There was to be a single Emperor who held significant power

3. There was to be a lower and upper house (upper elected by princes and monarchs, lower to be of men over 25 and of 'good reputation'

What was the significance of the constitution in contributing to the parliament's failure?

The progressive nature of the constitution alienated it from possible conservative supporters and contributed to it being rejected by other conservative nations, and Frederick William himself

What was the main short term factor in the failure of the FFP?

Prussian King Frederick William being offered to be Emperor and rejecting it.

Why did Fredrick William reject becoming Emperor? and what did he say of it?

Because he viewed the FFP as illegitimate, he believed in the divine right of kings, and he would not take a crown 'from the gutter'