German Unification

Congress of Vienna In 1815, many European leaders met in Vienna, Austria and organized the restoration of political power in Europe after the defeat of Napoleon.

Congress of Vienna The Congress created a loose confederation of 39 separate German states.

Congress of Vienna

Prussia's Advantages: 1) Military: More than the other German states, Prussia had an advantage in it’s strong, well-disciplined military. 2) Leadership: Wealthy landowners along with industrial capitalists controlled Prussia’s parliament.

Prussia's Advantages: 3) Economy: Prussia’s economy boomed during the Industrial Revolution. 4) Natural Resources: Prussia had the largest coal deposits in Europe, which fueled their iron & steel industry. 5) Industry: The iron & steel production allowed Prussia to build a network of railroads.

Militarism Militarism: The glorification of the military and a readiness for war. (Underline or highlight this definition in your notes) Prussia was an authoritarian state that vigorously supported militarism.

Leaders of the Unification Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck King Wilhelm I of Prussia (William)

Leaders of the Unification King Wilhelm I of Prussia (William) Became King in 1861, and wanted Prussia to be an authoritarian and militaristic state. King Wilhelm I of Prussia (William)

Leaders of the Unification King Wilhelm I of Prussia (William) Appointed the militaristic Otto von Bismarck as his Prime Minister. King Wilhelm I of Prussia (William)

Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck Blood and Iron! Bismarck came from a wealthy family, and was a military officer. He cared little for the parliament and liberalism, but instead stressed Prussian power. Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck

Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck Blood and Iron! Bismarck insisted that German unification would be achieved “not with speeches and majority decisions…but with blood and iron.” Bismarck ignored parliament and the constitution, and followed his policy of “Realpolitik.” Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck

Realpolitik Realpolitik: A German word meaning realism. Bismarck took whatever actions he thought necessary (politically & militarily) in order to create a united Germany. Machiavellian anybody?

War over Schleswig-Holstein Bismarck allied with Austria against the Danes and took over the provinces of Schleswig & Holstein. Austria

War over Schleswig-Holstein Bismarck only did this so he could shrewdly create a reason to go to war with Austria sometime in the future. The War Resulted in: 1) The expansion of Prussia. 2) Prussia gaining Schleswig and Austria gaining Holstein. It was at this time that Prussia declared war on Austria.

War with Austria Before waging war on Austria, Bismarck first made treaties with France, Russia, and Italy so they would not interfere. Bismarck then invaded Holstein forcing Austria to declare war on Prussia. Prussia had a more disciplined army, brilliant military leadership, superior weapons and more advanced technology.

Victory and Concessions (results) War with Austria Victory and Concessions (results) Prussia stunned the world by winning the war in just 7 weeks. Bismarck did not want to embarrass Austria after the war because the Austrians were close to the Germans in proximity, culture, and nationality.

War with Austria

War with France Bismarck convinced the southern German states to fear the French, and to ally with Prussia for military protection. The Spanish offered their throne to a relative of William I, which caused tension between France & Prussia.

Bismarck & France Otto von Bismarck (without the helmet) Wilhelm I A French ambassador met Wilhelm I and asked if a Frenchman could take the throne, to which Wilhelm I declined. Wilhelm I then wrote a telegram to Bismarck describing the event.

Bismarck sets it Up Eager for war, Bismarck edited the telegram making it seem very insulting for the French and the Prussians, and then released it to the press. Both countries became enraged, and France declared war on July 15, 1870.

Franco-Prussian War Results Once again, the Prussian military was unstoppable. They crushed the French army in just two months, and threw the French king in prison.

Franco-Prussian War France was forced to sign a treaty giving up the territories of Alsace and Lorraine.

Franco-Prussian War Alsace and Lorraine below. France

Franco-Prussian War

Franco-Prussian War

Franco-Prussian War

Unification Completed January 18, 1871, Wilhelm I was named Kaiser, or emperor, of Germany. The new German Empire included all of the northern German Confederation, the southern German states, Schleswig-Holstein, and Alsace-Lorraine.

Unification Completed Wilhelm I German Princes Bismarck

Unification Completed