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💣european history – 1890 to 1945 review

Burgfrieden

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Burgfrieden, or 'peace of the castle,' refers to a political truce in Germany that emerged at the beginning of World War I, where various social, political, and economic groups put aside their differences to support the war effort. This unity was characterized by a nationalistic sentiment that encouraged solidarity among workers, business owners, and political parties, emphasizing loyalty to the state over internal conflicts. It reflects the initial widespread enthusiasm and belief in the war’s purpose, as well as the desire for national unity during a time of crisis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Burgfrieden was officially declared in August 1914, shortly after the outbreak of World War I, marking a temporary halt to domestic political struggles in Germany.
  2. Many German political leaders, including those from leftist parties, publicly supported the war effort during this time, which was unusual given their previous opposition to militarism.
  3. The sense of burgfrieden began to erode by 1916 as the realities of prolonged warfare set in, leading to increased dissent and strikes among workers.
  4. Burgfrieden was symbolically represented by rallies and gatherings that promoted national unity and encouraged enlistment in the military.
  5. This concept of temporary peace reflected broader European trends where countries rallied around national identity and shared purpose at the onset of World War I.

Review Questions

  • How did burgfrieden influence the relationship between different social classes in Germany at the start of World War I?
    • Burgfrieden fostered a sense of unity among various social classes in Germany, encouraging workers, business owners, and politicians to set aside their differences for the sake of supporting the war effort. This temporary alliance was marked by increased cooperation and collaboration across traditionally opposing groups. The shared goal of national victory led to a collective identity that momentarily overshadowed class struggles, illustrating how crises can alter social dynamics.
  • Evaluate the role of propaganda in promoting the concept of burgfrieden and its effectiveness in maintaining public support for the war.
    • Propaganda played a critical role in establishing and promoting burgfrieden by creating narratives that emphasized national unity and duty. Through various media outlets, messages were disseminated that glorified military service and framed dissent as unpatriotic. While this approach initially succeeded in rallying public support and participation in the war effort, its effectiveness waned as casualties mounted and living conditions deteriorated, leading to growing public dissatisfaction and unrest.
  • Analyze how the collapse of burgfrieden affected post-war German society and politics.
    • The collapse of burgfrieden after World War I had profound effects on German society and politics, contributing to widespread disillusionment and conflict. As societal divisions resurfaced, particularly between social classes and political factions, Germany faced significant turmoil during the Weimar Republic era. The failure to maintain this temporary unity fueled radical political movements on both ends of the spectrum, eventually leading to instability that allowed extremist ideologies to gain traction. The disintegration of such national solidarity highlighted deep-seated issues within German society that would have lasting consequences for its future.