Building a German Nation

German Unity In the early 1800s, German-speaking people lived in a number of medium-sized states Goal: Unify Germany Otto von Bismarck: Chancellor of Germany (prime minister); united German states under Prussian rule Realpolitik- Realistic politics based on the needs of the state

Prussian Wars Bismarck led Prussia into war to increase power and pave way for German unity War with Denmark & Austria: ended in decisive Prussian victory, Prussia annexed several northern German states Franco-Prussian War: France defeated by Prussia

Otto von Bismarck “Iron Chancellor” Kulturkampf- Battle for civilization Goal: To make Catholics put loyalty to the state above allegiance to the church Did not trust Catholics (He was Lutheran) Also campaigned against socialists Saw a threat to German empire Plans were only partly successful & some backfired

The German Empire William I of Prussia took the title Kaiser- emperor of Germany Second Reich- second empire, heir to the Holy Roman Empire Germany industrialized & became a European industrial power

Kaiser William II Asked Bismarck to resign Believed his right to rule came from God Government provided services: Social welfare: Programs to help certain groups of people Taught students obedience to the emperor along with reading, writing, and mathematics Nationalism & aggressive militarism will increase tensions prior to WWI…