At this point it would be appropriate to give a brief outline of history in Germany pre 1860. The political situation in Germany was unsettled at this time. During the early 1800’s, Germany was in many ways much less advanced than other countries of western Europe. Commerce and manufacturing were limited, and most of the people still made their living by farming. The cities were small and the country was divided into many states. Only four of them – Bremen, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Lubeck were self-governing states. The other 35 states were still ruled by kings or princes under their own laws. Each state had its own flag and army, and collected its own taxes. Only a few small states had constitutions, and even in those states the people had little voice in the government. After 1830, the people grew increasingly dissatisfied.
Beginning in 1844, harvests were poor in Germany and business activity decreased. Many Germans were hungry and out of work. In March 1848, news of a revolt in France set off revolts in Germany. The French Revolution had a vast influence on Germany – smaller states desired German unity while Austrian dominions did not wish to be part of a confederation or a united Germany. By the end of 1848 a new parliament began to prepare a constitution for a united Germany.
Also, the economy had improved and many people lost interest in the revolution. However, in 1851 the parliament broke up once again and further conflicts continued. In 1862 Bismarck became Prime Minister of Prussia. He was determined to increase Prussia’s power in Germany. As a result three wars were fought, leading eventually to the Franco-Prussian War in 1870. After this war, Bismarck became the first chancellor and head of the government.
An industrial revolution had also occurred in Germany in the mid 1800’s, and by the late 1800’s Germany had become an industrial nation. This would have been an extensive period of turmoil in Germany.
Religious uprisings in parts of Germany at this time in history may also have prompted German emigration. Denied the right to worship according to Lutheran faith, many left their homeland and sought new homes in countries where they could enjoy liberty of conscience and of worship. Conrad and Louisa were of the Lutheran faith.