The First German National Assembly: May 15, 1848

On May 15, 1848, the first German National Assembly convened in the city of Frankfurt am Main, marking a pivotal moment in the history of Germany. This assembly, often referred to as the Frankfurt Parliament, was a significant step towards the unification of the various German states into a single nation-state.

Historical Context

The mid-19th century was a period of significant political and social upheaval across Europe, known as the Revolutions of 1848. These revolutions were driven by a combination of economic hardship, demands for political reform, and rising nationalist sentiments. In the German states, there was a growing desire for national unity and liberal reforms, which culminated in widespread demonstrations and uprisings.

The Assembly’s Formation

The Frankfurt Parliament was formed in response to these revolutionary pressures. It was the first freely elected parliament for all of Germany, consisting of representatives from various German states. The assembly met at the Paulskirche (St. Paul’s Church) in Frankfurt, a symbolic location chosen for its central position within the German Confederation.

Objectives and Challenges

The primary goal of the Frankfurt Assembly was to draft a constitution that would unify the German states under a single national government. This task was fraught with challenges, including:

• Diverse Interests: The assembly comprised delegates with varying political ideologies, from liberals seeking constitutional monarchy to radicals advocating for a republic.
• Territorial Disputes: There were significant debates over which territories should be included in a unified Germany, particularly concerning the status of Austria and its German-speaking regions.
• External Pressures: The assembly faced pressure from existing monarchies and foreign powers wary of a strong, unified Germany.

Key Developments

During its sessions, the Frankfurt Parliament made several important decisions:

• Basic Rights: The assembly adopted a declaration of fundamental rights, which included freedoms of speech, assembly, and religion.
• Kleindeutsch vs. Grossdeutsch Solution: A major point of contention was whether to include Austria in the new German state (Grossdeutschland) or exclude it and focus on a smaller Germany led by Prussia (Kleindeutschland). Ultimately, the assembly leaned towards the Kleindeutsch solution.
• Offer of the Crown: In March 1849, the assembly offered the title of Emperor of the Germans to King Frederick William IV of Prussia, who rejected it, viewing the crown as a “crown from the gutter” because it was offered by a popular assembly rather than through traditional monarchical means.

Aftermath and Significance

The Frankfurt Parliament ultimately failed to achieve its goal of unifying Germany. By 1849, the assembly had lost much of its influence, and many of its members were forced to flee or were arrested as conservative forces regained control. Despite its failure, the Frankfurt Assembly was significant for several reasons:

• Precedent for Unity: It set a precedent for future efforts towards German unification, which would eventually be realized in 1871 under Prussian leadership.
• Liberal Ideals: The assembly’s discussions and declarations laid the groundwork for liberal and democratic ideals in Germany.
• National Identity: It fostered a sense of German national identity and highlighted the complexities of unifying diverse states under a single government.

The Frankfurt Parliament remains a symbol of the struggle for democracy and national unity in Germany’s history, reflecting the broader European movements of the 19th century.