Bismarck and the Unification of Germany

Similarities between the states would play a part in unification Language Culture Trade (Zollverein)Geography Suspicion of France Nationalist sentiments? What would keep them apart? - personal position of each prince/king - differences in religion - Austria 3

Bismarck Regarded as the man who unified Germany He had a lot of factors in his favour Engineered a series of crises to help bring the German states under the control of Prussia Wars against: - Denmark (1864) - Austria (1866) - France (1870) 1871 – German states are unified and Prussian King Wilhelm becomes Kaiser Examine the new German Constitution 4 Examine “Satiated Power” source

Potential Problems for the New Germany? Foreign problems - France? - Austria? - Denmark? - Britain? Domestic problems -Expanding working class - Problems of industrialisation - Undemocratic constitution - Demands for colonial expansion

Bismarck’s Germany Two main “problems” that Bismarck believed he had to deal with in the new Germany: 1. Catholics 2. Socialists Bismarck would dominate the new Germany In order to deal with these perceived problems, Bismarck allied himself with the strongest party the National Liberals This alliance did not last long however due to differences over economic policies (tariffs imposed on iron and grain) His main aim in both domestic and foreign policy was to consolidate the position of the new Reich Answer the questions on Germany in

Kulturkampf (struggle of cultures) The first reason for the Kulturkampf was the establishment of Zentrum (The Catholic Centre Party) Party established to represent Germany’s Catholic population (around 15 million) Led by a very able Ludwig Windhorst, Bismarck feared that they would dominate political life and be potentially disloyal to the Reich – Why? Map of Europe This would prove to be an irrational fear – most German Catholics were loyal and patriotic The second “cause” of the Kulturkampf was a result of an edict by Pope Pius IX known as “Papal Infallibility” 8

Papal Infallibility “We teach and define that it is a dogma Divinely revealed that the Roman pontiff when he speaks ex cathedra, that is when in discharge of the office of pastor and doctor of all Christians, by virtue of his supreme Apostolic authority, he defines a doctrine regarding faith or morals to be held by the universal Church, by the Divine assistance promised to him in Blessed Peter, is possessed of that infallibility with which the Divine Redeemer willed that his Church should be endowed in defining doctrine regarding faith or morals, and that therefore such definitions of the Roman pontiff are of themselves and not from the consent of the Church irreformable.” (Pope Pius IX, 1870) What does this edict mean? Whatever the Pope says is God’s law and must be obeyed What do you think Bismarck’s response to this would be? German’s must obey the German state first and foremost and not the Catholic Church Thankfully for Bismarck, some Catholics were split on the edict and this gave him an opportunity to support those who opposed the Pope 9

The Kulturkampf What did the Kulturkampf involve? Number of laws passed many of which came under the title of the “May” or “Falk” Laws Use of pulpit banned for political indoctrination State supervision of Catholic schooling (monks were forbidden to teach) Jesuits were banned from Germany German envoy to Vatican withdrawn All potential priests were forced to study for at least 3 years in German university Were these attempts to undermine the power of the Church and “Germanise” it, successful? Examine election results table 10

The Socialists (SPD) Why were the Socialists seen as a threat to German unity? Famous line “Workers of the world unite” Bismarck therefore regarded “internationalism” as a threat to German nationalism Obviously, as the Communist Manifesto points out there were other reasons as to why socialism was a threat 11

The German Working Class Why did the popularity of the SPD increase during the 1870s? Industrialisation/Urbanisation SPD policies – Conference of 1875 demanded nationalisation of banks and coal mines and the creation of social equality So, not only were socialists a threat to German national unity but they were also a threat to those who had power and wealth in Germany Bismarck decided to attack the SPD at every opportunity, banning them from campaigning at elections (see cartoons on MyCity) When the heavy-handed tactics failed he turned towards a more subtle form weakening the SPD 12

Bismarck’s “state socialism” 1883 – Sickness Insurance Law 1884 – Accident Insurance Law 1889 – Old Age and Invalidity Law Were these attempts at giving the working-class concession successful? NO – workers were happy with these measures but wanted more The SPD recognised what Bismarck was trying to do – they continued to do well at the polls (see election results) These pieces of legislation were too much for the other parties – “too socialistic” Conclusion? 13

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Bismarck’s Foreign Policy Important factors to be considered 1. Germany had a large population (approaching 50 mil) 2. Strong army 3. Economic potential We have already established that it was Bismarck’s intention to consolidate Germany’s position within Europe (this was the aim of his domestic policy) However, there was a clear link between domestic concerns and foreign – it was therefore also in Bismarck’s interests (and Germany’s) to not upset Europe’s major powers 15

Five Aims 1. Preservation of European Peace Balkans 2. Concentration on European Issues 3. Isolation of France 4. Prevention of Anti-German Coalition 5. Diversion of other powers to non-European activities Africa Bismarck’s foreign policy was ultimately a defensive one This would please most of Europe (though eventually Bismarck’s attempts at keeping peace would lead to all kinds of trouble) It would not necessarily please powerful elements of German society Complete task On German Foreign Policy

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