Německý spolek, slepá ulička v dějinách?

Abstract

The paper attempts to explain conditions of formation and the functioning of the German Confederation. These issues are examined through an unusual view, which is trying to find positive characteristics of the German Confederation at the time of establishment in 1815 and also to prove that the German Confederation was not simply the blind alley of German history, as argued in earlier historiography, but a feasible opportunity for the later Lesser German solution – at least at the beginning of existence of the Confederation. Simultaneously, the paper explains the reasons why the German Confederation lost this potential so soon. For the sake of comprehensiveness of the study, the international policy development of Germany during the Napoleonic Wars is also outlined, and the importance of the Holy Roman Empire and the Confederation of the Rhine to the genesis of the German Confederation is also explained.