Kant caused a remarkable impact in Germany. But it is not possible to explain German idealism solely as a simple development of Kantian doctrine. Towards the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, the defeat against Napoleon reflected a secular political dismemberment. Germany was divided and socially and economically backward compared to France and England. Fitche would write in 1808 a vibrant calling for the German nation, as it did not exist as such and had to make itself freely to begin its own history.
German idealism reflects this concern for freedom and unity vis-à-vis the foreigner, that passion for the German nation, for analyzing the concept of people (volkgesit). Nationalist movements coincide with this intellectual climate. The main themes of idealistic philosophers will then be:
Development of the Kantian doctrine: Kant was indeed the starting point. Initiator and teacher, he did not escape criticism and was not followed faithfully. But it didn't all come down to him.
Religious concerns: an heterodox spirit of mystical or pantheistic character appears. In idealism, the problem arises of the relationship between the finite and the infinite, the relationship between philosophy and religion.
Interest in the classic world: in the maturity of Goethe and most romantics. It is a permanent reference for Hegel.
Aesthetics: Thebeautiful, acquires as a category, a relevant importance, since Kano had taken care of studying it. Schiller would have said: “In order to solve the political problem in experience, one must take the path of aesthetics, because freedom is reached by beauty.”
The historical dimension
The romanticism: The passion for infinity, the fusion with nature, the identification of philosophy, poetry and religion, the creative force of man, gives rise to an interesting cooperation in which poets draw inspiration from philosophers.
Theoretical character: theoretical developments of idealism do not lead to social or political revolutions.