After attaining its independence from Spain in 1821, Mexico was confronted with the task of defining for itself a new political, social and cultural identity. Mexico's history in the 19th century can best be described as a period of constant political and social upheaval: the birth of a new nation was neither easy nor peaceful. Mexico's search for its own form of literary expression followed a similar road. For a long time, Mexico's literature continued to be heavily dependent on foreign models. Ignacio M. Altamirano (1834-93) was the first to recognize the need to move away from foreign influences, and also the first to formulate and implement a program for the creation of an autonomous literature. An integral part of his philosophy was the notion that any aspiring new writer should acquire a broad knowledge of Western literature, but at the same time be wary of the dangers of imitation. Altamirano's critical writings and in particular his works of narrative fiction are evidence of the profound commitment with which he worked towards the establishment of a "national literature". Not enough attention has been paid so far to the fact that all but two of Altamirano's works of narrative fiction contain specific references, quotations, and in some cases allusions to German novelists, poets, and dramatists belonging to the period of ca. 1780-1850. The significance of these references shall be explored in the present thesis, together with a possible solution to the mystery surrounding the origin of Altamirano's tale "Las tres flores".