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.
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