The Liberals

Liberals believed in a fairer society where the

people had a say – not just monarchs.

Many Liberals believed this could only be

achieved through a united Germany rather

than smaller states.

The Middle Classes

The middle classes made the biggest demands for

political change and German unity.

The middle classes paid the most in taxes yet had

little influence on government spending.

The Middle Classes

New German wealth was created by the middle

classes. Unification meant more economic opportunities.

Some middle class people also read revolutionary

texts.

Student groups

A great many students backed liberal and nationalist ideas.

They became involved in sometimes violent

protests and also set up student societies

(Burschenschaften) to promote this.

Arguments for influence

Strong support for nationalism for amongst

Liberals, middle class and students.

Group was growing in size and political influence as German economy grew.

Arguments against influence

Liberals, middle class and students were often the

same group – not representative of the

entire country.

Poorer people lacked an education to expose them

to new political ideas.