The Unification of Germany 1815-1871

Big Ideas: Explain how nationalism contributed to the unification of Germany. What were the effects of German unification?

German states at mid-century: Before 1871, Germany = a many separate states whose boundaries changed frequently as a result of war and other causes. strengths = rail system, investment banking, textile industries, foundations laid for a unified, prosperous state problems = prosperity not shared by everyone, class consciousness caused fragmentation, landowning Junkers resisted innovation & industrialization, intellectuals stayed away from politics because they thought it was too materialistic

born to conservative elite (dad = Junker) Otto von Bismarck: born to conservative elite (dad = Junker) “Iron Chancellor”: huge man with a terrible temper had contempt for intellectuals devout in German pietous tradition (holy living)

Bismarck named Prime Minister: diverted attention to foreign affairs 1862: Wilhelm I (conservative king of Prussia) & the liberal Parliament deadlocked over money Bismarck named Prime Minister: diverted attention to foreign affairs Prussia & Austria fought a war with Denmark over Schleswig (part Danish & part German pop.) & Holstein (German pop.) Results: Prussia administered Schleswig made Europe aware of Prussia’s strength Austria administered Holstein (Bismarck could later use this as an excuse to go to war against Austria)

Seven Weeks War (1866) picked a fight with Austria over the administration of the duchies Austria quickly defeated & the ruling family (Hapsburgs) excluded from German affairs Holstein given to Prussia Venetia given to Italy (as payment for allying with Prussia) North German Confederation = all states north of the Main River joined together

Franco-Prussian War (1870-71) 1868: military coup deposed Bourbon (French) queen of Spain Spanish government chose Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern (Catholic cousin of Wilhelm I) for the throne French went wild because they didn’t want Prussians on both sides to threaten their state Leopold withdrew his candidacy

Bismarck believed if Prussia could defeat France in a war, the German princes would agree to German unity In July, Bismarck doctored a telegram to make it look like Wilhelm I had insulted the French ambassador to provoke Napoleon III to declare war on Prussia (France lost by Sept.)

Results of war: Wilhelm declared “Kaiser” (emperor) France lost Alsace & Lorraine Europe redrawn (Austria paralyzed; 2 new states of Italy & Germany) Germany = conservative; lots of resources & people France & Austria weakened