The Frankfurt Parliament, 1848

Divisions in the Frankfurt Parliament

Introduction

Post the upheavals of 1848, efforts to channelize the nationalist sentiment into tangible political change materialized in the form of the Frankfurt Parliament. A significant endeavor to unify Germany under a constitutional framework, the Parliament bore witness to several deliberations, decisions, and disagreements.

Formation of the Parliament

Invitations extended after the protests culminated in the assembly of the Vorparlament in March 1848. The event drew a significant attendance, with 574 delegates representing various German states from the Confederation.

Agreements at the Frankfurt Parliament

Decisions reached at the Parliament underscored the gravity of the push for change. Notable resolutions included:

• Establishment of a National Assembly.
• Stipulations regarding the membership of the Assembly, with a representation ratio set at one member for every 50,000 of the population.
• A directive allowing suffrage for all men aged 25 and above.

The Monarchy Conundrum

Despite the Parliament's deliberations and decisions, it confronted challenges when it came to deciding the head of the prospective united Germany. The Parliament's proposal to [specific monarch] to assume the mantle of "King of all Germany" met with resistance, as he eventually grew adverse to their plans. Additionally, the head of Austria also displayed marked opposition to the Parliament's propositions, contributing to its eventual failure.

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The Frankfurt Parliament, 1848

Supportive Arguments

• The very existence of the Parliament and its sweeping decisions signaled an unequivocal commitment to political change and the vision of a unified Germany from representatives spanning all states.
• The Parliament's resolutions, if implemented, held the potential to revolutionize the German political landscape.

Counter Arguments

Influence of Contemporary Events

• The middle class significantly dominated the Parliament. This overrepresentation meant that the interests and perspectives of peasants, a sizable demographic, were underrepresented and possibly overlooked.
• The Parliament, for all its deliberative powers, lacked command over the military forces, thereby constraining its ability to actualize its decisions.
• A pivotal point of contention was the vision of the unified Germany. The Parliament stood divided between the Grossdeutschland plan, which advocated for an inclusive Germany with Austria, and the Kleindeutschland vision, which envisaged a Germany exclusive of Austria.

Conclusion

The Frankfurt Parliament, while a monumental step in the direction of German unification, was marred by divisions and challenges. While it succeeded in laying down a blueprint for a constitutional German state, the execution of this vision was stymied by internal disagreements and external oppositions. The Parliament's legacy thus remains a testament to both the potential and the pitfalls of the nationalist movement in Germany.