What is grossdeutschland?

Grossdeutschland, which translates to Great Germany, was a concept in German nationalism that advocated for the unification of all German-speaking territories under one unified state. This concept was particularly prominent during the 19th and early 20th centuries, as Germans sought to bring together all German-speaking people under one political entity.

The idea of Grossdeutschland contrasted with the competing concept of Kleindeutschland, or Small Germany, which focused solely on the unification of the German states under the leadership of Prussia, excluding Austria and other German-speaking territories outside of the borders of the German Confederation.

The Grossdeutschland vision ultimately failed to be realized, as the German Empire that was established in 1871 under the leadership of Prussia excluded Austria and other territories with significant German-speaking populations. The rejection of Grossdeutschland in favor of Kleindeutschland set the stage for tensions between Austria and Prussia, which would eventually lead to conflicts such as the Austro-Prussian War in 1866.

Despite this failure, the concept of Grossdeutschland continued to resonate with some German nationalists and was later revived and expanded upon by the Nazi Party under Adolf Hitler in their efforts to create a Greater German Reich that encompassed all German-speaking territories in Europe. The idea of Grossdeutschland played a significant role in shaping German identity and nationalism throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.