Growth of nationalism in Germany, 1815-1850Reasons for the growth of nationalism in Germany
Cultural unity and economic cooperation under the Zollverein helped German nationalism to grow. Meanwhile, liberal idealists and fear of invasion encouraged nationalistic feeling in the German states.
Nationalism can be seen as the want of a people to live independently from the rule or influence of other nations.Throughout the 19th century, the populations of the separate states began to develop a sense they were not just citizens of their own individual states, but also were part of a German volk (people).
The graphic below outlines some of the key factors leading to increased nationalism in Germany from 1815-1850.