Chapter 2 Political Friendship and State Repression, 1851–1858
Journal: Berghahn Books
Year: 2024

In 1852, Karl Francke wrote to complain to Max Duncker: "Why you want to practice politics in Berlin at all is unclear to me! I, for my part, prefer to build railroads." 1 The perceived failure of the Revolutions of 1848/49, and the defeat of German rebels in the First Schleswig War, left many liberals in the German Confederation disillusioned.Francke was by no means alone when he advocated a return to state service and industry. 2He participated in a network of political friends that coalesced