We cannot hide the fact that the whole German question is a simple comparison between Prussia and Austria. In these states German life has its positive and negative--in Prussia, all the interests which are national and reformative [based on changed], in Austria, all that are dynastic and destructive. The German question is not a constitutional question, but a question of power; and the Prussian monarchy is now wholly German, while that of Austria cannot be. . . .We need a powerful ruling house. Austria's power means lack of power for us [Germans], whereas Prussia desired German unity in order to supply the lack of her own power. Already Prussia is Germany in origin. She will "merge" with Germany.

Question

We cannot hide the fact that the whole German question is a simple comparison between Prussia and Austria. In these states German life has its positive and negative--in Prussia, all the interests which are national and reformative [based on changed], in Austria, all that are dynastic and destructive. The German question is not a constitutional question, but a question of power; and the Prussian monarchy is now wholly German, while that of Austria cannot be. . . .We need a powerful ruling house. Austria's power means lack of power for us [Germans], whereas Prussia desired German unity in order to supply the lack of her own power. Already Prussia is Germany in origin. She will "merge" with Germany.

1. According to Droysen, what are the goals of Prussia?

2. What are the goals of Austria?

3. What does a united Germany need and who would provide that?

Answer 1

1. The goals of Prussia, according to Droysen, are to promote national interests and reforms within the German states.

2. The goals of Austria, according to Droysen, are focused on maintaining dynastic power and are destructive to German unity.

3. A united Germany needs a powerful ruling house, which Droysen believes is currently represented by the Prussian monarchy.