The Frankfurt Parliament: Convening on May 18, 1848

On May 18, 1848, the first German National Assembly, commonly referred to as the Frankfurt Parliament, convened in the Paulskirche (St. Paul’s Church) in Frankfurt am Main. This event marked a pivotal moment in the German unification movement and the broader wave of liberal revolutions sweeping across Europe in 1848.

Historical Context

The mid-19th century was a period of significant political and social upheaval across Europe. The year 1848, in particular, witnessed a series of revolutionary movements aimed at establishing more liberal and nationalistic governments. In the German states, there was a growing demand for national unity, constitutional governance, and civil liberties.

Preceding Events

• The Revolutions of 1848: Beginning in France and spreading rapidly across Europe, these revolutions were driven by widespread discontent with autocratic rule, economic hardship, and a desire for national self-determination.
• The German Confederation: Established in 1815, this loose association of 39 German states was seen as ineffective in addressing the aspirations for a unified Germany.

The Frankfurt Parliament

The Frankfurt Parliament was the first freely elected parliament for all of Germany. It was composed of representatives from various German states, elected by universal male suffrage. The assembly aimed to create a unified German nation-state and draft a constitution that would establish a constitutional monarchy.

Key Objectives

1. Drafting a Constitution: The primary goal was to draft a constitution that would unify the German states under a single national government.
2. Establishing Civil Rights: The parliament sought to guarantee fundamental civil rights and liberties.
3. Addressing National Boundaries: Debates ensued over the inclusion of Austria and the delineation of German national boundaries.

Challenges and Debates

• Kleindeutschland vs. Grossdeutschland: A major debate centered around whether to include Austria in the new German state (Grossdeutschland) or exclude it and focus on a smaller Germany led by Prussia (Kleindeutschland).
• Monarchical vs. Republican Government: There were differing opinions on whether the new Germany should be a monarchy or a republic.

Aftermath and Significance

The Frankfurt Parliament ultimately faced numerous challenges, including lack of military power, internal divisions, and opposition from both conservative monarchies and radical republicans. In March 1849, the parliament offered the crown of a unified Germany to King Frederick William IV of Prussia, who rejected it, viewing it as a “crown from the gutter.”

Consequences

• Dissolution: By May 1849, the parliament was dissolved, having failed to achieve its goals.
• Legacy: Despite its failure, the Frankfurt Parliament laid the groundwork for future efforts toward German unification. It represented a significant step in the development of parliamentary democracy in Germany and inspired future generations of reformers.

The Frankfurt Parliament remains a symbol of the struggle for national unity and democratic governance in Germany, highlighting the complexities and challenges of nation-building in the 19th century.