I am not able to return a favorable answer to the offer of a crown on the part of the German National Assembly [meeting in Frankfurt], because the Assembly has not the right, without the consent of the German governments, to bestow the crown which they tendered [offer] me, and moreover because they offered the crown upon condition that I would accept a constitution which could not be reconciled [prepare to accept] with the rights of the German states.

Question

I am not able to return a favorable answer to the offer of a crown on the part of the German National Assembly [meeting in Frankfurt], because the Assembly has not the right, without the consent of the German governments, to bestow the crown which they tendered [offer] me, and moreover because they offered the crown upon condition that I would accept a constitution which could not be reconciled [prepare to accept] with the rights of the German states.

1. Why will the King of Prussia not accept the title of King of the German states? (Give two reasons).

2. How does the King of Prussia’s decision affect German unification?

Answer 1

1. The King of Prussia will not accept the title of King of the German states because the German National Assembly does not have the right to bestow the crown without the consent of the German governments, and because the constitution offered by the Assembly is not in line with the rights of the German states.

2. The King of Prussia's decision affects German unification by creating a roadblock to the unification process. Without a centralized authority such as a King of the German states, it becomes more difficult to achieve a unified Germany under one ruler.

Answer 2

How is the King displaying nationalism?

Answer 3

The King of Prussia is displaying nationalism by prioritizing the rights and authority of the German states over a centralized German government. By refusing the offer of the crown from the German National Assembly and citing the need for consent from the German governments, the King is asserting the sovereignty and autonomy of each individual German state. This demonstrates a commitment to preserving the independence and self-governance of the German states, which is a key aspect of nationalist ideology.