Otto von Bismarck & German Unification

Bell Ringer What is nationalism? Discuss with Partner 1 minute

Zollverein Von Metternich - Opposed a united Germany Prussia stepped forward Zollverein: economic union Eliminated tariff barriers among German states Still politically fragmented

Otto von Bismarck Prussian Junker Junker = conservative noble class 1862 – became chancellor under King Wilhelm I In just under 10 years, Bismarck would unify Germany under Prussian rule

Prussian Power Recognized importance of strong military Wanted more money spent on military Parliament said “no” Famous “Blood and Iron” speech

Bismarck (cont.) “Germany does not look to Prussia’s liberalism, but to her power…The great questions of the day are not to be decided by speeches and majority resolutions – that was the mistake of 1848 and 1849 – but by blood and iron!”

Blood and Iron Discuss with your partner what you think Bismarck meant by Germany’s power will be determined by “blood and iron.” 2 Minutes

Realpolitik Strong will Powerful manipulator Master of “Realpolitik” – politics of reality Politics based on practical matters rather than theory or ethics Often resulted in ruthless decisions

Bismarck’s loyalty Not a German nationalist Loyal to the Hohenzollerns – the German royal family

Bismarck’s wars Schleswig & Holstein Austro-Prussian War Franco-Prussian War

1864: Schleswig & Holstein Allied w/ Austria Seized Schleswig & Holstein from Denmark Split: Austria – controlled Holstein Prussia – controlled Schleswig

1866: Austro-Prussian War Bismarck invented excuse to attack Austria Lasted 7 weeks Major victory for Prussia Prussia annexed Holstein and several other German states Dissolved Austrian gov’t & replaced with dominant Prussian one

1870: Franco-Prussian War Growing rivalry between: France (Napoleon III) Prussia (Wilhelm I & Bismarck) Relative of Wilhelm offered Spanish throne France protested Bismarck rallies Germans (all Germans)

Realpolitik at work Had wars with Austria & other territories - Prussia easily won No harsh terms of peace Allowed Austria & some other German states to remain independent Why would he do this?? Discuss with partner 1 minute

Practical Motives “We had to avoid leaving behind any desire for revenge.” Otto von Bismarck

Ems Dispatch Bismarck rewrote & released in the press a telegram Wilhelm “insulted” French ambassador Napoleon III (France) declared war on Prussia

“On to Berlin!” France attacked Prussia Prussia – military superiority Easily defeated France Napoleon III surrendered (taken captive)

Germany Unifies January 18,1871 German Confederation made official Bismarck + 600 German princes, nobles, and generals gathered at Versailles Wilhelm I of Prussia proclaimed Kaiser of the Second German Empire

France Pays the Cost of Peace Peace treaty signed May 1871 France paid $1 billion and had to give up the provinces of Alsace & Lorraine All that was left were bitter feelings and the desire for revenge…