The first German National Assembly, known as the Nationalversammlung, was a significant political gathering that started in Frankfurt with representatives from across various German states. This assembly stemmed from the broader wave of liberal revolutions sweeping through Europe in 1848, which sought to address demands for democratic reforms and national independence. Following the February Revolution in France, which had established the French Second Republic, many Germans were inspired to push for similar reforms within their own states. The assembly convened on the 18th of May in the Paulskirche, a church that served as a neutral and symbolic venue willing to host this historic meeting about the political future of Germany.

Although the assembly had extensive legislative powers and many discussions centered on creating a unified German constitution, initial enthusiasm soon faced challenges. Delegates debated various approaches to governance, including the balance of power between a monarchy and a parliamentary system. Numerous ideas circulated regarding the future structure of Germany, with federal and centralized models being considered, but the assembly faced fragmentation due to differing regional interests and political ideologies. Factors like social unrest, economic strife, and external pressures from conservative powers complicated the assembly’s proceedings.

Despite these challenges, the Nationalversammlung passed several important resolutions that resonated with the growing liberal ideals of the time. They called for civil liberties, eventual universal suffrage, and representation, marking a significant turn in German political discourse. However, systemic issues ultimately led to the assembly's decline, and the intended unification and liberal reforms would take decades to materialize, culminating in the eventual unification under Otto von Bismarck in the 1870s.