German National Movement
The German National Movement emerged in the early 19th century, advocating for the unification of the various German states into a single nation. It was fueled by a growing sense of national identity, influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment and Romanticism. Key events, such as the Napoleonic Wars, spurred a desire for unity and independence from foreign rule.
Prominent figures in this movement included Johann Gottfried Herder and Friedrich Ludwig Jahn, who emphasized the importance of a shared language and culture. The movement laid the groundwork for the eventual unification of Germany in 1871, significantly impacting European politics and national identities.