Questions and Answers
What was the Declaration of Heidelberg?
In early March 1848, 51 representatives from 6 states discussed changes to Germany's political institutions and published their decisions in the Declaration of Heidelberg on March 5th.
What did the Heidelberg politicians agree on?
They agreed on forming a Vorparlament from various Diets to set the ground rules for an all-German general election.
What was the Vorparlament?
It was a gathering of 574 representatives that met at St Paul's Church in Frankfurt on March 31, 1848.
What were the two hostile camps within the Vorparlament?
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What was the general agreement of the Vorparlament?
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What were the characteristics of the national parliament decided by the Vorparlament?
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Who were excluded from the franchise?
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What percentage of men were able to vote?
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How were representatives elected?
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When did the Frankfurt Parliament meet?
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Was the Frankfurt Parliament representative?
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What was the Frankfurt Parliament often called and why?
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What were the intentions of the Frankfurt Parliament?
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Which political groups were scarcely represented in the Parliament?
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What was the largest political group in the Frankfurt Parliament and how many members made it up?
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How had a power vacuum been created after the revolutions and how did the Frankfurt Parliament fill it?
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What was the series of 'Basic Rights and Demands' that the Frankfurt Parliament hoped to agree?
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What did the Parliament decide regarding the constitution and state laws?
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Study Notes
Declaration of Heidelberg
- In March 1848, 51 representatives from six German states convened to discuss political reforms.
- Their discussions culminated in the Declaration of Heidelberg on March 5, outlining changes before revolutions influenced Germany.
Formation of the Vorparlament
- The politicians agreed to create a Vorparlament from various Diets to establish rules for a future all-German election.
Composition of the Vorparlament
- The Vorparlament convened on March 31, 1848, at St Paul's Church in Frankfurt, with 574 representatives predominantly from southern and western Germany, and only two from Austria.
Divided Interests
- Two factions emerged:
- Liberals sought a parliamentary monarchy in collaboration with the Bundestag.
- Radicals advocated for a republic with full legislative and executive powers.
Mandate for a New Body
- The Vorparlament concluded that a new, more representative body should determine Germany's future rather than the unrepresentative Vorparlament.
National Parliament Election Agreement
- The Vorparlament agreed on key conditions for a national parliament:
- It would convene in Frankfurt.
- Representation would be based on one delegate per 50,000 inhabitants.
- Only financially independent citizens of age could vote.
Exclusions from the Franchise
- Voting rights were denied to women, servants, farm laborers, and individuals receiving poor relief, impacting a significant portion of the population, especially in cities like Cologne.
Voting Eligibility
- 85% of men were eligible to vote, highlighting broad male participation but significant disenfranchisement for many.
Representative Election Process
- Elections were mainly indirect; voters selected delegates who then chose representatives, often prominent local figures.
Meeting of the Frankfurt Parliament
- The Frankfurt Parliament convened in May 1848, amid a backdrop of revolutionary activity.
Representation in the Parliament
- The Parliament primarily consisted of middle-class members, with limited representation from landowners, craftsmen, and peasants.
'Professor's Parliament'
- The Frankfurt Parliament earned the nickname due to a high proportion of educated members, with over 80% holding university degrees.
Intentions of the Frankfurt Parliament
- Aimed to unify Germany under a constitutional monarch and establish a strong central government with increased control over states.
Underrepresented Groups
- Radicals, revolutionaries, republicans, and conservative elements had minimal representation within the Parliament.
Largest Political Faction
- Moderate-liberals formed the largest group, consisting of 130 members, including many distinguished professors.
Power Vacuum and the Frankfurt Parliament
- Political instability in Austria and Prussia created a power vacuum, allowing the Frankfurt Parliament to position itself as the legal successor to the Bundesrat.
Basic Rights and Demands
- The Parliament aimed to agree on fundamental rights including:
- Freedom of the press
- Fair taxation
- Political equality regardless of religion
- Citizenship rights for all Germans
Sovereignty of Constitution and State Laws
- The Parliament asserted that any constitution they developed would hold sovereignty, allowing state parliaments to enact state laws independently.
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Test your knowledge of the Frankfurt Parliament with these flashcards. Explore key concepts such as the Declaration of Heidelberg and the initial political agreements made during the revolutions of 1848 in Germany. Perfect for students studying European history.
