Before Revolution Flashcards
(14 cards)
What was the situation in Germany in 1789?
Germany was divided into 314 states with a population of about 22 million Germans.
What was the Holy Roman Empire?
Established in 1512, it was neither holy nor Roman, and had a permanent imperial diet chaired by the emperor.
What was the religious division in Germany?
South Germany was predominantly Catholic, while North Germany was Protestant, leading to religious hostility.
What was the economic situation in Germany?
Over 80% of Germans lived and worked on the land under a feudal system, with a variety of currencies and skilled workers in towns.
What impact did Napoleon have on Germany?
French forces destroyed the old Germany and annexed territories, leading to the absorption of small German states into larger regions.
What was the impact of the French Revolution on Germany?
The 1789 revolt in France reduced the power of the monarchy, church, and aristocracy, inspiring calls for liberty and equality.
What was the Confederation of the Rhine?
Formed from 16 German states, it was established by France and represented the third power alongside Austria and Prussia.
What happened to Prussia after the Napoleonic Wars?
Prussia lost territory and had to limit its army to 42,000 men after defeat in 1806.
What reforms were introduced in Prussia after 1806?
Serfdom was abolished, church lands were secularized, and military reforms were implemented.
What was the War of Liberation?
In 1812, Napoleon’s disastrous invasion of Russia led to a coalition of Prussia, Austria, and Russia against France.
What was the Vienna Peace Settlement?
It established a loose confederation of German states under Austrian control, without promoting unification.
What was the German Confederation?
Created in June 1815, it consisted of 39 states aimed at maintaining security and independence.
What was the role of the Bundestag?
The Bundestag was the only executive body of the confederation, requiring agreement from all state governments.
What were the weaknesses of the German Confederation?
It had little control over the states, could not prevent foreign alliances, and was not unified economically or militarily.
