The degree of growth in German nationalismGrossdeutschland or Kleindeutschland
German nationalism had grown in the early 19th century due to Prussian ambition, the rise of liberal ideas and popular rebellion. However, the reassertion of Austrian power limited this growth.
After the failure of the Frankfurt Parliament, debate continued on the best way to unite Germany.
Prussia put forward a plan to unify the German states under Prussian control. The question was whether a united Germany should contain Austria (Grossdeutschland - Greater Germany) or leave it out (Kleindeutschland - Lesser Germany):
Prussia argued for exclusion of their rival, Austria
Austria refused to agree with the Prussian plan - it would eliminate their influence in German affairs
Austria persuaded the Bund's Federal Diet to threaten sanctions against Prussia.
In 1850, with Russia supporting Austria, the Prussians backed down.
Another attempt at a unified Germany had failed. By late 1849, the German Princes and the Austrian Emperor were able to reassert military control of their territories and impose their political will over their subjects.