Paper 2 - Topic 1:
Popular pressure & causes of revolution 1840-8
1
, Definitions:
1. What makes a liberal state; freedom of press, believe what you want e.g. religion
2. Protectionism; economic policy of restricting imports from other countries through
methods like tariffs
3. Free trade; policies that allow imports and exports without trade barriers e.g. tariffs
Background – what Germany was like before 1815;
Holy Roman Empire: group of countries governed by local rulers; each state has its own
ruler. Came to an end when Napoleon I dissolved the empire
1. Political situation in 1840s:
• The Congress of Vienna (1814–1815): meeting after the Napoleonic Wars to restore
stability and balance in Europe - aimed to stop future French aggression and
prevent revolutions. It created the German Confederation
• 1840s Germany was a loose confederation of 39 independent states (Austria &
Prussia as largest) with no central authority, governed individually but connected
through the German Confederation
• Despite political separation economic and cultural ties were between states were
strengthening
Role of Austria
• Holy Roman Empire (HRE): Existed for centuries, covering parts of modern
Germany, Austria, and France.
• Habsburg Emperor: Traditionally Austrian but held limited real power.
• Napoleonic Wars (1806–1807): Napoleon defeated Austria, Prussia, and Russia,
abolishing the HRE.
• Confederation of the Rhine 1806: Replaced the HRE, excluding Austria and Prussia
because Napoleon felt these were the strongest powers so therefore the most
threatening
2
Popular pressure & causes of revolution 1840-8
1
, Definitions:
1. What makes a liberal state; freedom of press, believe what you want e.g. religion
2. Protectionism; economic policy of restricting imports from other countries through
methods like tariffs
3. Free trade; policies that allow imports and exports without trade barriers e.g. tariffs
Background – what Germany was like before 1815;
Holy Roman Empire: group of countries governed by local rulers; each state has its own
ruler. Came to an end when Napoleon I dissolved the empire
1. Political situation in 1840s:
• The Congress of Vienna (1814–1815): meeting after the Napoleonic Wars to restore
stability and balance in Europe - aimed to stop future French aggression and
prevent revolutions. It created the German Confederation
• 1840s Germany was a loose confederation of 39 independent states (Austria &
Prussia as largest) with no central authority, governed individually but connected
through the German Confederation
• Despite political separation economic and cultural ties were between states were
strengthening
Role of Austria
• Holy Roman Empire (HRE): Existed for centuries, covering parts of modern
Germany, Austria, and France.
• Habsburg Emperor: Traditionally Austrian but held limited real power.
• Napoleonic Wars (1806–1807): Napoleon defeated Austria, Prussia, and Russia,
abolishing the HRE.
• Confederation of the Rhine 1806: Replaced the HRE, excluding Austria and Prussia
because Napoleon felt these were the strongest powers so therefore the most
threatening
2
