Middle class v Peasants
The main people who demanded change came
from the middle class and peasants.
However they were divided on whether political
change or social change was most important.
Austria included?
Even amongst nationalists who wanted unification
there was disagreement.
Some wanted to include Austria
(Grossdeutschland) whilst others did not (Kleindeutschland).
Main obstacle? Yes
Peasants were the largest group in German society. Without their complete support it limited the
ability to affect changes.
Lack of clear aims enabled opponents to ignore
demands.
Main obstacle? No
Lack of clear aims was indeed important.
However both classes did work together at times e.g. 1848 revolution to try to
introduce changes.