Vormärz

The Vormärz refers to the period in German history (roughly 1815–1848) leading up to the March Revolution of 1848. During this time, many educated Germans experienced political repression and lacked democratic rights, fueling intellectual and political movements advocating for liberal reforms, national unification, and greater freedoms. This era was characterized by protests, underground newspapers, and demands for constitutional change, setting the stage for significant social and political upheaval across the German states. The Vormärz ultimately culminated in the 1848 revolutions, which sought to establish a more unified and democratic nation.