German Unification Otto von Bismarck Proclamation of German Empire in Versailles Reunification Anniversary Jewish Temple in Germany

Steps Toward Unification 1815 - Congress of Vienna 39 states = German Confederation 1848 - Liberals in Prussia revolt Prussian King Frederick Wilhelm IV tricks citizens into believing he wants democracy German Confederation - unites Austria and Prussia

Steps Toward Unification Economic unity 1834 - Zollvereins remove tariffs Develop railroad system Cultural unity Nationalism spread through music Richard Wagner (composer)

Bismarck’s Plan for Unification Fights Denmark over 2 small states Allies with Austria Trades with Italy Italy gets Venetia Prussia gets support to fight Austria In process convinces France to remain neutral

Bismarck’s Plan for Unification Austro-Prussian War Provokes by sending Prussian troops into Austria King appeals to Prussian nationalism for support Result - German Confederation destroyed Franco-Prussian War Dispute over provinces that were part of Holy Roman Empire and belonged to France in 1870 Prussian victory  unified Germany

The Empire’s Growth and Change Game of “chess” between Bismarck and Pope Period after 1871 = Second Reich German states meet at Versailles Wilhelm becomes first kaiser Bismarck becomes first chancellor Federalist government Power shared between 25 states Power of Catholic Church limited Kulturkampf All men over 25 can vote, but there are many restrictions Political parties develop

The Empire’s Growth and Change France pay’s reparations Transportation Railroads Socialists want state to control industry Bismarck dislikes socialists Bismarck develops policies of healthcare and disability etc. 1888 - Wilhelm II becomes Kaiser and fires Bismarck Bismarck blames socialists for assassination attempts on Wilhelm