Abstract

DIPPEL, Horst. A constitutional moment entrenched by Restoration principles. Liberalism and antiliberalism in Germany, 1818-1821. Sig. his [online]. 2021, vol.23, n.46, pp.18-59.  Epub Oct 04, 2021. ISSN 1665-4420.

The article undertakes a new approach to the beginnings of constitution-making in Germany in the post-Napoleonic period, culminating in the years 1818-1821. Instead of individual states it focuses on constitutions and singles out their most important provisions. In a political climate dominated by Restoration politics constitutional liberalism was able to achieve some remarkable results in six constitutions beyond the politically most critical area of individual rights. While tracking foreign influences in German constitution-making it underscores the impact of the Constitution of Cádiz. With major liberal principles secured, these six liberal German constitutions stand out together with the Constitution of Cádiz as the embodiment of liberal constitutionalism in Europe in the early 1820s.

Keywords : modern constitutionalism; German constitutions; Constitution of Cádiz; constitutional achievements; Re-writing constitutional historiography.

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