UDC

94(430).044+05+06“1815-1888”

Authors

Roman Yu. Boldyrev
Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov; prosp. Lomonosova 2, Arkhangelsk, 163002, Russian Federation; e-mail: boldyrev_ry@mail.ru
German S. Ragozin
Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov; prosp. Lomonosova 2, Arkhangelsk, 163002, Russian Federation; e-mail: gragozin92@gmail.com

Abstract

This article dwells on the transformation of the Prussian model of state representation into the German one through changes in the architectural scene of Berlin capital city. Representation of state and national myths was one of the main components of the development of the country struggling to tip the balance of power in its favour. During the period between 1815 and 1888, representation of royal and later imperial power as one of the main ideological elements of the Prussian Kingdom and the German Empire underwent significant changes in various aspects: from the proportion of certain ideas in state, social, economic and cultural policies to the implementation of certain images in art and architecture. Within the Austro-Prussian dualism in Germany, the transformation of representation practices meant for both Austria and Prussia that the existing ideology and state system were efficient. Moreover, with the deepening crisis in Germany, the ideology and its representation became both a motivator and a means of politics. The face of the capital city was one of the main indicators of state transformation and struggle between the two systems within Germany. For Prussia, after the War of Liberation and the reforms introduced in 1807–1814 the face of Berlin was forging the foundation of the state diplomatically recognized, able to influence the international affairs and aiming to change the balance of powers in Germany into its favour, especially in the processes of forming the German nation and its sovereignty. Alongside with this, the architectural face of Berlin was one of the means to encourage the population to put the ideological programme into practice. All these transformations were reflected in buildings and monuments, creating or changing their meanings due to certain events and political goals.

Keywords

Kingdom of Prussia, Austro-Prussian dualism, representation of power, unification of Germany, architecture of Berlin

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