Socio-historical context, although not directly discussed in Buddenbrooks, is central to its narrative. In the late 19th century, Germany underwent significant change. Set between 1835 and 1877, the novel mirrors the dynamic political and social shifts occurring in Germany, condensing a broader historical span into a more concise narrative timeframe.

Johann Buddenbrook Senior’s era is marked by the impact of Napoleon’s conquests, reflecting a time when German territories were fragmented and French cultural influence was prominent. His son, Jean, embodies the values of the post-Napoleonic era, marked by a quest for stability and moral rectitude. Thomas Buddenbrook navigates the transformative period leading to the establishment of the German Empire, while Hanno, his son, witnesses the unification of Germany and its emergent challenges.

The unification of Germany in 1871 under Prussian leadership marked the birth of a nation-state, transforming the political and social landscape. This period saw rapid industrialization and a change of the old social orders and values. The Buddenbrooks, who represent the old bourgeois class, find themselves grappling with these societal shifts. As Hugh Ridley (2008) notes,

The effects of this ‘backwardness’ in Germany’s development as a modern state have often been discussed by historians.