Back to the video list: German History

 

After the Congress of Vienna Germany consisted of several monarchies, joint by a loose confederation. Inspired by the French Revolution and the national effort against Napoleon the German the majority of the German people wanted to live in a more liberal and unified country. The Carlsbad Decrees were an important mean of the German rulers to oppress the national and liberal movement and sustain the absolute power of the monarchs.

 

Video

 

 

Overview

  • Date: 23 Mar 1819 – 20 Sep 1819
  • Location: Carlsbad (& German Confederation)
  • Start: Student Sand kills Kotzebue
  • End: Federal Convention (Bundestag) resolves the Carlsbad Decrees

 

Parties & Persons Involved

  • Prince Klemens von Metternich (1773 – 1859)
  • August von Kotzebue (1761 – 1819)
  • Student Karl Ludwig Sand (1795 – 1820)

 

Background

  • Developments within the population:
    • Liberal & national movements inspired by the French Revolution (1789-1799) & the Wars of Liberation (1813-1815)
    • The new ideas flourish esp. in universities, student fraternities & gymnastics associations
  • Developments on the level of monarchs:
    • Age of Metternich beginning with the Congress of Vienna (18 Sep 1814 – 09 Jun 1815)
    • Restoration of the monarchic structure of society as it was before the French Revolution

 

History

  • 1817 – 1819: Kotzebue publishes articles against revolution & liberal ideas, student fraternities & gymnastics associations
  • 23 Mar 1819: Student Sand stabs Kotzebue to death
  • 02 Aug 1819: Anti-Judaist / anti-Semitic Hep Hep Riots in Würzburg
  • 06 Aug – 31 Aug 1819: Ministerial conference of the most influential German states
  • 20 Sep 1819: The federal convention ratifies the Carlsbad Decrees
  • 20 May 1820: Student Sand is executed

 

Main Content of the Carlsbad Decrees (1819)

  • Censorship of the press
  • Surveillance of universities
  • Occupational ban for liberal & national professors
  • Ban of student fraternities & gymnastics

 

Consequences & Impact

  • Restrictions on cultural & political activities
  • Intensified restoration of the old monarchic system
  • Liberal & national movements go underground
  • The will to live in freedom in a unified German nation grows in the population
  • Repeal of the Carlsbad Decrees by the Federal Convention during the March Revolution (02 Apr 1848)