Essential Elements of Nationhood: Germany's Efforts Surrounding the Revolution of 1848

Freedom is a concept that we as Americans often take for granted; however, in the German nation in 1848, the national assembly finally “convened…to draft and adopt a constitution that would guarantee basic freedoms and…elect a national government” (Schulze, 124). Though this would not be successful due to political turmoil, it points us to an understanding of what is necessary in order to foster the successful formation of a nation. In order to facilitate the growth of the German state, both social and economic liberties needed to be cultivated, and the commencement of this liberal revolution of sorts and the timely “economic boom” allowed this escalation to occur and a basic challenge of the foundation of the German state to be overcome (Schulze, 131).

German National Assembly during the March Government responding to the March Demands

“In state parliaments both the moderate liberals and the radical democrats demanded freedom of the press and of assembly, and the rights to form political parties and bear arms” (Schulze, 123). With these “March demands” in place along with the “March governments” assembling to establish a constitution for the new “liberal and intellectual Germany,” nationalism began to flourish. However, this idealistic view would not instantaneously become a reality. It would be dampened by conflicts regarding what regions would be part of this “new Germany” (Schulze, 120). The delaying of the formation of this “constitutional nation state” created a tenuous situation between the government and the “forces of the liberal bourgeoisie” (Schulze, 127).  Fearing a true revolution, compromise was eventually attained with “written constitutions” becoming a reality and “lawmaking powers” being delegated between leaders and parliaments (Schulze, 129). Over time a constitution would be derived, though not actually put into place. It was a document “informed by the spirit of popular sovereignty and human rights” that would inspire the potential freedoms of a people and encourage their spirit of nationalism and thereby perpetuate growth (Schulze, 128).  Foundations of liberty were put into place during this era, which were essential to the foundations of the German state and the yearnings of the people, for these freedoms are a testament to their identify shift, inspiring individuals to strive for more for themselves and for their country.
In terms of economic growth, as the need “to fear political upheavals. . . in the aftermath of the revolution” subsided, “much group work had been laid for industrial development (Schulze, 130). The people of the German nation began to expand and take advantage of “a golden era for entrepreneurship” (Schulze, 130). Facilitated by the social freedoms demanded and generally established, new banks and factories were opened. One essential task that the banks provided capital for was the creation of railroads, inspired by economist Friedrich List (Schulze, 130). This transportation network was essential to unify “this new and relatively large economic bloc” that the German nation was entering into (Schulze, 130).  “Labor was cheap,” which also spurred this growth, elevating the status of the “preindustrial masses” (Schulze, 131). As Schulze profoundly states, “Industrialization (encouraged by renewed social and literal mobility) transformed German society. The old world disappeared not as a result of a political revolution but through a revolution in the economy and the world of labor” (Schulze, 132). 
However, as social mobility and freedom had the potential to uplift the liberal bourgeoisie, this dramatic shift in industry instilled a feeling of “uprootedness” (Schulze, 134).  As Schulze further describes, “Family ties were broken, traditional loyalties abandoned, religious attachments weakened” (Schulze, 134). This fundamental shaking of society’s orientation caused an “identity crisis,” though growth, philosophy, and liberalism great through adherence secular ideologies, contributing to the rise of the German state (Schulze, 134-135). Starting as a backward country seeking nationhood, Germany needed to promote social and economic growth, especially when considering the thought of Friedrich List, an economist referred to briefly in the text. List believed personal factors, the work of the people, led to growth and that individuals, empowered with freedom, can spur industry. Through their attempts at constitutional reform, including profound suggestions toward liberty, and their industrial successes, albeit leading to identity crisis, were not completely successful, the German nation moved towards unification, surpassing challenges of growth during this tumultuous era.  

First Railroad station in Germany (clearly updated) The Growth of railroads furthered the growth of industry during this time