Who were Marianne and Germania? What was the importance of the way in which they were portrayed?

Marianne and Germania were the female allegories representing the nations of France and Germany.

Christened Marianne, a popular Christian name was female representation which underlined the idea of a people’s nation. Her characteristics were drawn from those of Liberty and the Republic – the red cap, the tricolour, the cockade. She reminded the public of the national symbol of unity and persuaded them to identify with it. Marianne images were marked on coins and stamps.

Similarly, Germania also represented glory, peace and bravery. Germania wears a crown of oak leaves, as the German oak stands for heroism. She has sword with olive branch showing readiness to fight as well as willingness to make peace. Black, red and gold tricolour is flag of the liberal-nationalists in 1848 which was banned by the Dukes of the German states. Breastplate with eagle became the symbol of strength of german empire. The way they were portrayed was important to arouse the feeling of nationalism among people in order to unite them.