This paper examines German Nationalist literature across three historical phases: pre-unification, post-unification expansion, and implosion. Drawing on works by Fichte, Jahn, Treitschke, Wagner, and Hitler, the paper traces how German national identity was constructed, contested, and distorted over time. Early writers struggled to define an essential German character, while post-unification thinkers articulated a self-conscious national identity often defined against perceived enemies. The paper concludes that German Nationalist writings reflect the mood and anxieties of their era more than any authentic definition of the German people.
German Nationalism can be divided into three periods: unification, expansion, and implosion. Each of these phases is conveyed through various sources of German Nationalist literature, which together trace the ideological arc from vague national feeling to violent exclusionary politics.
Most remarkable about the early, pre-unification works of German Nationalism was the lack of well-developed ideas to characterize the essential German nature. There was no mention of German profundity or precision. The only concept Fichte could cling to was the German ability to resist foreign domination and survive with their German identity intact. He emphasized the integrity of the German race despite the onslaught of Roman military power, which had absorbed most other races it touched — perhaps foreshadowing the later German obsession with racial purity.
Neither could Jahn think of any traits with which to define an essential German character. Instead, he focused on how the German State was to be built. He laid out the principles upon which each aspect of the German State would function, as if presenting a white paper to the prime minister. Jahn may have had, however, some notion of a German spirit, claiming that Protestantism was a German innovation and that no other peoples felt Luther's teachings as deeply as Germans.
It is during the period after unification that we start seeing a self-conscious definition of the German character, which, according to the historian Treitschke, was "depth of thought, idealism, cosmopolitan views, a transcendent philosophy." This is to be contrasted with the Englishman as "hypocritical," "unchivalrous," avaricious, cowardly, and sensuous.
Treitschke's characterizations fit with his advocacy of the German Empire's aggressive expansion, which could only culminate in its dethroning of the degenerate English Empire. Treitschke expounds social Darwinism, declaring that "only the great and strong states should exist. Small states are unable to protect their subjects" — alluding to the vulnerability of scattered German states before the strong Prussian state arrived to unite and lead them.
"Wagner and Treitschke target Jews in nationalist discourse"
"Hitler defines Germany through external enemies"
The range of ideas and observations present in German Nationalist literature is remarkable. Rarely has such stupidity, fear, and delusion shared the same space with such dignity, insight, and intellectual courage. Ultimately, the writings seem to be more a reflection of the German mood than a definition of the German people.
You’re 67% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 2 sections.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.