History A level Course Plan

History A Level Course Plan

Course Structure

The course is structured into sections, with sections 1-5 covering the AS and Part 1 of the A level, and sections 6-10 covering Part 2.
Completing all sections (1-10) is necessary to prepare for the full A level.

Section 1: The Growth of Parliamentary Democracy c1785–c1870

Topic 1: The unreformed Parliament up to 1785
Topic 2: Demand for reform c1785–1815
Topic 3: The Great Reform Act 1815–32
Topic 4: Towards Chartism 1832–48
Topic 5: The 1867 Reform Act
Assignment 1

Section 2: Industrialisation, Protest and Trade Unionism c1785–c1870

Topic 1: Industrial growth c1785–c1870
Topic 2: Living and working conditions c1785–c1850
Topic 3: Protest and reform c1785–c1870
Topic 4: Unionism and cooperation c1785–c1850
Topic 5: New Model Unionism c1850–c1870
Assignment 2

Section 3: Poverty and Pauperism; The Abolition of the Slave Trade

Topic 1: Poverty and pauperism c1785–1834
Topic 2: After the Poor Law Amendment Act 1834
Topic 3: The abolition of the slave trade 1
Topic 4: The abolition of the slave trade 2
Topic 5: The abolition of the slave trade 3
Assignment 3

Section 4: The Unification of Germany 1: c1840–51

Topic 1: Popular pressure and causes of revolution 1840–48
Topic 2: Failure of revolution 1848–51
Assignment 4

Section 5: The Unification of Germany 1: c1852–71

Topic 1: Austro-Prussian rivalry 1852–66
Topic 2: Prussia and the Kleindeutschland solution 1866–71
Assignment 5

Section 6: Coursework

Topic 1: The ‘Great’ Reform Act?
Topic 2: The suffragettes: contextual background
Topic 3: The suffragettes: help or hindrance?
Topic 4: Writing the assignment
Assignment 6 brief
Assignment 6

Section 7: Prosperity and Social Change, Germany 1871–1990

Topic 1: Social change: the urban working class
Topic 2: Social change: artisans, Junkers, women
Topic 3: Economic change 1871–1929
Topic 4: Economic change 1929–90
Assignment 7

Section 8: Germany United 1871–1935

Topic 1: Ruling the Second Reich 1871–9
Topic 2: The birth of democratic Germany 1917–19
Topic 3: A New Reich 1933–35
Assignment 8

Section 9: Germany Divided and Reunited 1945–90

Topic 1: The new Federal Republic 1949–60
Topic 2: Reunification: Germany 1989–90
Assignment 9

Section 10: Revision

Topic 1: Preparing for the exam
Topic 2: Paper 1 Section A/B
Topic 3: Paper 1 Section C
Topic 4: Paper 2 Section A
Topic 5: Paper 2 Section B
Topic 6: Paper 3 Section C
Assignment 10

Section 4 Topic 1: Popular Pressures and Causes of Revolution 1840–48

Introduction

This section covers the Edexcel Option 2D: Popular pressure and causes of revolution, 1840–48.
In 1840, Germany was not a single united country but a collection of independent states with a loose association called the 'German Confederation', established in 1815.
Revolutions throughout Europe in 1848 significantly impacted these German states.
German liberals and revolutionaries sought a more democratic government and a unified German nation.
The section explores the forces supporting and opposing these aims and the political developments that followed.

Economic Developments

Economic ties linking Prussia and most other states (excluding Austria) prepared them for eventual unification.
Prussia's urban and industrial development was key to unification, and this section focuses on its economic domination by the 1850s.
Implications of Prussian industrial growth for military strength and the economic ties and dependency of the Zollverein (Prussian Customs Union) are examined
The contrast between Prussian and Austrian economic growth is highlighted as important for the unification in 1871.
Estimated completion time for this topic is around 6 hours.

Objectives

Describe the political situation in Germany, especially the German Confederation, during the 1840s
Explain the growth of nationalism in the German states in the 1840s
Outline the short-term causes of revolution in 1846–47
Identify the events surrounding the outbreak of revolution in Germany in 1848.

The Political Situation in the 1840s

In 1840, Germany was not a single country. Previously, the area consisted of over 350 states linked by language.
Until 1806, these states were part of the Holy Roman Empire, also know as the First Reich, abolished in 1806.
The Austrian Habsburgs ruled the Empire almost continuously from the 15th century, dominating German territories politically.
Outside their territories, Habsburg emperors had nominal authority over other German states since the mid-17th century.

Political Geography of the German Confederation

At the Congress of Vienna in 1815, the German states were reduced to 39, forming the German Confederation with the same boundaries as the Holy Roman Empire.
The Confederation included non-German areas and excluded some German-speaking groups.
There was no central government, and individual states remained independent. A federal diet met at Frankfurt but was mainly a debating chamber.
Limited political coordination existed among Confederation members.

The Dominance of Austria

The Habsburg Empire considered itself the foremost state due to historical supremacy, size, and power.
Austrian Chancellor Prince Klemens Von Metternich dominated the Confederation between 1815–48.
Austria aimed to maintain control over the divided German states, opposing German nationalism because it could trigger nationalist demands from other groups within the Habsburg Empire.
Liberalism also faced resistance from the Confederation's political rulers.

The Growth of Nationalism and the 1840 Crisis

Nationalism's impact on Prussia and German states between 1840 and 1848 is debated. 1848 saw revolutions in German territories, influenced by nationalism.
Nationalism was a reaction to the defeat in the Napoleonic Wars and the terms of the 1815 Congress of Vienna, which favored Austria and repressed nationalist tendencies.
The idea of a unified German nation emerged in smaller states, though nationalist views were held by few. Reformers prioritized liberal and democratic reforms.
Nationalist political activists faced challenges due to geographical divisions among German states.
Cultural, regional, religious, economic, and political divisions continued to divide German states.
Chancellor Metternich suppressed nationalist feeling, which appeared volatile and emerged only in times of crisis. Nationalism grew with economic developments.

Significance of Nationalism

Nationalism had significance leading up to the 1848 revolutions.
Tensions and crises with countries like France in 1840 and Denmark in 1846 created a sense of a common enemy, uniting German states.
The 1840 border dispute with France over the River Rhine stirred nationalist feeling.
In 1846, Prussia and Austria prevented the Danish king from absorbing German speakers in Schleswig-Holstein.
Some nationalist feeling was romantic, linked to older traditions. Artistic and cultural works promoted German unity.
The lyrics of the German national anthem, Deutschland uber alles, were written in 1841.
Growing literacy and the popular press fueled nationalism.

Growth of Liberalism

Liberalism increasingly influenced those favoring political reform. The French Revolution (1789) and the American Revolution (1770s) demonstrated liberal ideas.
Liberal thinkers favored moderate constitutional reform, improving citizens' political and democratic rights via the existing system. A more moderate and reformist approach stemmed from the ideas of various liberal thinkers, which tradition could be linked to the Enlightenment of the mid seventeenth to late eighteenth century.
Germans were highly literate. Books, pamphlets, and newspapers promoting liberal reforms circulated, and public meetings became common.
In 1847, Die Deutsche Zeitung, a newspaper espousing liberal and nationalist sentiments, was launched.
Nationalism and liberalism shared the goal of change, driving the idea of unification.
The Hippenhelm Meeting of 1847 saw liberal figures discuss democratic structures, including an elected diet to control monarchs.
Liberal ideas were spreading in Europe, accompanying the radical nationalist agenda of the 1848 uprisings.
Nationalism was more willing to justify direct action than liberalism, but together they created popular pressure for German unity.

Prussia under Fredrick William III

Prussia, a kingdom since 1701, was the largest state in the German Confederation and a rival to Austria.
Prussia played a key role in Napoleon's downfall and gained territories in the Rhineland, Westphalia, and elsewhere at the Congress of Vienna, doubling its population and boosting industrial potential.
Under King Frederick William III (1797–1840), Prussia challenged Austrian supremacy, though internal reforms were limited

Activity 1 Summary

The German Confederation consisted of neighboring states retaining independent political power but sharing language and culture.
Austria was the largest state but Prussia was growing in political and economic power.
Despite valuing independence, growing nationalism and liberalism made states realize the potential of cooperation.
The Confederation was at a crossroads, with uncertainty over whether Austria or Prussia would dominate.

Exam Hints

When analyzing written sources, assess the writer's role, timing, and nature of writing to determine reliability or bias.

Source E Analysis

Source E, a memorandum from the liberal-minded Bavarian Prince Hohenlohe in 1847, expresses frustration at not being able to identify as a German.
The source indicates a suppressed German identity overridden by Bavarian identity. Significant restriction on German patriotism during the late 1840s due to the lack of a single German identity.

Economic and Social Developments in the 1840s

Austria was the most powerful member of the German Confederation after the Napoleonic Wars, but Prussia gained ground after the Congress of Vienna in 1815.
Prussia's growing population, access to raw materials, and industrial growth marked it as a coming power.
Other German states looked to Prussia rather than Austria for protection.
Austria and Prussia were economic rivals. Prussia's Zollverein undermined Austria's commercial interests.
Prussian economic dominance within Germany was established in the 1840s.

Significance of Railway Building

Railway development reflected economic progress. By 1850, Prussia had nearly 6,000 km of track, compared to Britain's 10,500. By 1870, Prussia had 8,500 km.
Rail network growth improved transport links, facilitating cooperation and encouraging nationalist feeling centered on Berlin.

The Zollverein

In 1818, Prussia established a Customs Union, abolishing internal duties and imposing low external tariffs. This evolved into the Zollverein in 1834, including 17 states with 23.5 million people.
Prussia's superior resources and location gave it control over trade routes, making Zollverein membership attractive. By 1836, there were 25 members covering two-thirds of the German population.
Austria did not join the Zollverein due to Prussian opposition, its protectionist system, and Metternich's opposition.
By 1848, Prussia had economic leadership due to the Zollverein. When Hanover and Oldenburg joined in 1854, only a few North German maritime city-states remained outside.
Prussia benefited economically and politically, isolating Austria. The Zollverein members formed the basis of a potential German state, a smaller version without Austria.

Activity 2 Summary

The Zollverein had a positive impact on Prussia's economic position from the early nineteenth century.
The customs union was a key element in Prussia's developing economic and political significance within the German Confederation, leading to financial investment in essential industries.
Such industries were crucial to building up the Prussian state’s infrastructure and industrial capacity, and the table indicates that in all such areas there was considerable growth in output throughout the latter half of the nineteenth century and up to the date of German unification in the early 1870s.
Smaller German states increasingly looked to to Prussia for political leadership. In the aftermath of the 1848 revolutions, Prussia increasingly healthy financial position to emerge as a serious rival to the traditionally larger German-speaking power, namely the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and to be positioned at the forefront of the emerging force of German nationalism.
Always acknowledge the limitations of a part source. Cannot know to confirm the other factors were in play that may also have serve to boost the Prussian economy.

Impact of Urbanisation and Industrialisation

Prussia and other German states saw large towns and cities emerge due to industrialization.
Class divisions appeared between workers and managers. Karl Marx identified the working class as the proletariat and the middle class as the bourgeoisie, predicting class conflict.
Nationalism offered the prospect of unifying competing political, economic, and social interests despite class-based conflict.
Prussian growth owed much more to direct State involvement. The Seehandlung (Overseas Trading Corporation) was involved in the ownership of engineering plants, textile mills and chemical works. It owned and operated the new steamships on the often newly developed waterways to transport raw materials and goods and then controlled the trade generated by these industrial developments.

Causes of revolution 1846–48

By the late 1840s, factors led to demands for radical change across German states, resulting in uprisings in 1848.Short term factors behind this outbreak of revolutionary behavior
Economic Crisis 1846–47- Social & economic factors (poor harvests & living conditions) were common factors in the growth of revolutionary attitudes among citizens.
Hardship for German peasants-reason for emigration. Tenant farmers found rents too high and making a living difficult
In the towns, countryside migrants made jobs harder, atrocious living & working conditions Unemployment & overcrowded slums were common, poor sanitation caused disease strikes & riots became commonplace before 1848.
Economic crisis of 1846–47- Corn Harvests, severe potato blight. Food prices rose Starvation & food riots followed Poverty meant reduced spending power, leading to unemployment, wage cuts & falling living standards Wages, housing, and hours of work were the key issues for most workers
Karl Marx observed these economic & social developments, pointing to class war The Communist Manifesto was published in early 1848. Marxist viewpoint firmly rejected nationalism. Economic & Marxist perspective placed great emphasis on the importance of popular pressure in leading the demands for political reform
Middle-Class Nationalism & Liberalism - Ambitions of middle-class wanting political power with aristocrats and monarchs. This was the case across European nations, including Britain, and within the German states in particular.
Articulate figures emerging from the middle class who held liberal values, also influenced by a nationalistic mood developing across German-speaking territories. Political power with the rulers and the land-owning nobility, & middle-class educated Germans resented being kept out
Rejection of nationalism by revolutionaries and radicals that supported Marx; minority view. Increasing numbers of middle-class liberals were embracing nationalist aspirations and calling for significant reforms.
Involve a parliamentary system for middle classes greater degree of political involvement and enhanced civic rights. Reformers were coming round to the idea of a united Germany. The State of Baden – Led the way for middle-class pressure for a liberal constitution & a united Germany.

Constitutional crisis in Baden

Baden, Located at a strategic location on France and Baden influenced by revolutionary developments in Paris, and this resulted in a constitutional crisis in 1848.
Liberal constitution since 181, Further liberal reforms after 1830, press, judicial and police reforms in the mid-1840s, Baden was the first state in Germany to experience significant revolutionary unrest
Initially involved Peasants attacks against Landowners/ Aristocrats February 1848, reflecting class-based tensions that Marx Highlighted
Demanded by Baden’s citizens as an assembly in Manheim. It generated significant popular support by fearful (and frightened rulers) in a bill of rights.
March Revolution erupted in Vienna, led to demands/revolts, German states including Baden. Popular Demand for an elected representative government and the Unification of Germany. Resulted to the approval for (Vorparlament). It also met between March 31 to April 4, 1848, neighboring State of Hesse-Darmstadt.
Sought to frame new constitution based on the Principles of ‘Fundamental Rights and Demands of the German People. Supporters were constitutional monarchists (non- revolutionaries Baden 2 democratic. Delegated to this body Gustav Van (Democratic Delegates). Became frustrated at the lack of progress and protesters who exited early April 1848, revolution atmosphere.

Impact of revolution in France.

Historians viewed year 1848, revolution year. Detailed analysis reasons for Revolutions outside studies.
European escaped countries, Great Britain, Belgium, Holland Chartist movements inspired created turmoil British government.
Started revolutions in Revolution Year in France February 1848 history revolutionary unrest, Political & social upheaval, Liberal & Economic pressures, upsurge of popular protest & barricades Erected. King louis philippe abdication 24th February
Developments in France – encouragement difficult living situations within German Confederation to those in German confederation to those who sought Change improvement difficult living situations

Outbreak of Revolution 1848

Triggered Revolution of 1848. Early in March- revolutionary pressures key. All states affected, Austria, Baden, Saxony, Bavaria, First unrest chaos, Austrian- figure of Metternich to resign and flee to exile.
Empire unrest- the ambitious of Hungarians and italians- (Self-Determination).

Activity 3: Source 2 Analysis

Source is directly from the Marx-Engels Writings. 1848 making connections revolutionary events between Paris own communist Ideology & txt. Low literacy and marx’s txt small amount of people influence- exaggerate & inflate shaping of revolutionary events Europe in 1848. and are they significant?
whether this was a main factor ,open to debate- growth in working class Consciousness influenced action’s and revolutionary activity
Forces such contemporary –Political reforms those actions –commusim + economic pressures impacted

Revolution in the Austrian Empire

Dominant German State Austria, Chancellor Metrich prominent- triggered protest from students- generating attention in other German States.
Sermons result demands. 13th March a street demonstration in the capital city of Vienna
Austria emperor Ferdinand to send troops to crush protesters, and protestors were killed. Development Armed response authorities became alarmed- asking Ferdinand to resign. More liberal and A new constitution for the country a new constitution draft, 1848. Protesters didn’t vote- right were property-owners
Continuing protest to erect barricades, preparing for a like attack 26_17th May –Emperor issued- reforms manifestos imperial diet was to be assembly- election reorganization, capital August (1848) reforms-protestors fail to please. Aug 21 a wage cut and again troops fired unarmed

Revolution in Prussia 1848–49

Bourgeoisie and liberals agenda , economy , and create the Zollverein (1795–1861) and liberal ministry under Camphausen. Concessions , universal suffrage, a new and more democratic.Some middle-class govt

1848 in the German Confederation

Economic and social problems were fuelled by specific factors High rural rents, law wages in the towns, growing overall population –social unrest
Short term factors that contribute the the uprisings harvest 1846–47 the revolts of 1848
Spread of revolutionary feeling of France+ Other parts of EuropeImpacted Prussia Baden
Publications with the nationalisms for educating Prussian Middleclass magazines (die deutsche zeitung)
Growth in state and liberal feeling for Prussians.Demands for Political rights liberal greater more those in the German political Agenda