Großdeutschland

Definition

Großdeutschland, or 'Greater Germany,' refers to the political and nationalistic idea of unifying all German-speaking peoples and territories into a single nation-state. This concept emerged during the 19th century, particularly in the context of German nationalism, and was central to the ambitions of the German Empire in the early 20th century, driving expansionist policies and aspirations for unification through the annexation of Austria and other regions with ethnic German populations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of großdeutschland became prominent in the late 19th century as German nationalism surged, especially during the formation of the German Empire in 1871.
2. Großdeutschland aimed to include not just Germany but also Austria, parts of Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, and areas in Poland where ethnic Germans lived.
3. The ideology was used by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party to justify their expansionist policies leading up to and during World War II.
4. The Anschluss in 1938 was seen as a significant step towards realizing the großdeutschland vision, reflecting popular support among many Germans for unification with Austria.
5. Opposition to großdeutschland came from various groups including other nations fearful of German expansionism and within Germany from those who believed in a more inclusive, democratic Europe.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of großdeutschland influence German nationalism and expansionist policies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
  • The concept of großdeutschland significantly shaped German nationalism by promoting the idea that all German-speaking peoples should be united under one state. This ideology fueled ambitions for territorial expansion, leading to policies aimed at annexing regions with ethnic Germans, like Austria. As nationalism intensified, it provided a justification for military actions and diplomatic efforts that ultimately sought to fulfill this vision, particularly under the leadership of figures such as Otto von Bismarck and later Adolf Hitler.
• Discuss the significance of the Anschluss in relation to großdeutschland and how it was perceived by both Germans and other European nations.
  • The Anschluss represented a critical moment in pursuing the großdeutschland idea, as it marked the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany. For many Germans, this event was celebrated as a triumph of nationalism and unity. However, other European nations viewed it with alarm, seeing it as evidence of Germany's aggressive expansionist ambitions that threatened regional stability. The backlash against this unification contributed to tensions leading up to World War II.
• Evaluate the implications of großdeutschland for post-World War I Europe, particularly regarding national boundaries and ethnic tensions.
  • The implications of großdeutschland after World War I were profound, as it led to heated debates about national boundaries and ethnic identity across Central Europe. The Treaty of Versailles left millions of ethnic Germans outside Germany's borders, feeding nationalist sentiments that called for their inclusion. This contributed to rising ethnic tensions in countries like Czechoslovakia and Poland, as well as fostering a climate that enabled extremist ideologies to gain traction. The failure to address these nationalistic aspirations would later culminate in conflict during World War II.

Related terms

Anschluss:

The annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany in 1938, which was a key event in the realization of the großdeutschland concept.

Pan-Germanism:

A nationalist ideology advocating for the political and cultural unity of all German-speaking peoples across Europe.

German Empire: The unified German nation-state established in 1871, which played a significant role in promoting the idea of großdeutschland.