PanGermanism

Pan-Germanism was a political ideology that emerged in the 19th century advocating for the unification of all German-speaking peoples into a single, large nation-state. It was driven by a sense of shared cultural, linguistic, and historical identity among various German principalities and populations. Proponents believed that the German people were a superior race and that their destiny was to dominate Central Europe.

The movement gained traction during periods of nationalist fervor, particularly in the lead-up to the unification of Germany in 1871. However, the newly formed German Empire did not encompass all German-speaking populations, such as those in Austria, which fueled continued Pan-Germanist aspirations. These ambitions often extended beyond mere unification, envisioning German dominance over other ethnic groups and territories.

Pan-Germanism significantly influenced German foreign policy, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It contributed to the tensions that led to World War I, as it encouraged expansionist desires and a belief in Germany's right to assert its power. Following the war, the ideology was adopted and amplified by the Nazi Party, which integrated it into its racist and expansionist agenda, leading to devastating consequences during World War II. After the defeat of Nazi Germany, Pan-Germanism as a distinct political movement largely faded, though elements of ethnic nationalism and the idea of a unified German-speaking world have persisted in various forms.