German Unification Sections 1-2

Europe 1860

Germany Late 1800s

German Peoples German-speaking people German Confederation of states Spread through small states Prussia Austrian Hapsburg Empire German Confederation of states

Impact of Napoleon 1807-1812 Some embraced French Rule Lands around the Rhine to France Dissolved Holy Roman Empire Rhine Confederation Some embraced French Rule Many called for German unification (Nationalism backfiring) Congress of Vienna Created German Confederation (headed by Austria)

Prussian Leadership 1830s – Zollverein 1848 – Frankfurt Assembly Economic union Dismantled tariffs between German States 1848 – Frankfurt Assembly Political unity Offered throne to Fredrick William IV of Prussia Rejected throne offered by “the people”

Otto von Bismarck Prussia’s Junker class Prussian diplomat Conservative landowning nobles Prussian diplomat 1862 King William I appointed him Chancellor Will unite German States

Review Where were the German speaking people during the early 1800s? What empire did Napoleon abolish in the heart of Europe? What did the Confederation did the Congress of Vienna establish and who lead that Confederation? What was the name of the economic union created in Prussia? What leader was eventually elected Chancellor of Prussia?

“Blood and Iron” “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!” Otto von Bismarck Master of Realpolitik Moved to build up Prussian army Legislature would not allow funds Used money from other purposes

War With Denmark & Austria 1864 alliance with Austria “liberate” providences from Denmark Largely inhabited by Germans 1866 attacked Austria (Austro-Prussian War) Lasted 7 weeks Prussia Annexed several northern German states Dissolved German Confederation (Austrian Led) Allowed Austria and 4 Southern German states independence “Avoid leaving behind any desire for revenge”

Germany Post Austro-Prussian War

Franco Prussian War Growing French Concern Germans remembered Napoleon Invasion Both nations looking for military glory Bismarck Edited a telegraph between King William I and French ambassador Made William insult the French Napoleon III declared war on Prussia Prussia Smashed France within weeks

Germany Post Franco Prussian War

The Second Reich Southern German States and Confederation convince William I to take title: Kaiser January 1871 birth of Second Reich Heir to Holy Roman Empire Constitution drafted by Bismarck 2-house Legislature Bundesrat (upper house) Reichstag (lower house)

Review What speech did Otto von Bismarck give that set the tone for his rule? What alliance did Otto von Bismarck create that he eventually turned against? How long did the Austro-Prussian war last? Why did the French fear the growing German power? What was the name of the new German Empire?

Strengthening Germany

New European Power France previously dominated Europe German Princes crowned William I in Versailles Showed end of French Reign New German Domination

German Industrial Giant Late 1800s German chemical and electrical industries set world standards Second in shipping to British Economic progress Abundant coal & iron Disciplined & educated workforce Rapidly growing population

Science, Government, Industry First to use applied sciences Synthetic chemicals & dyes Research and development Government promoted economic development 1871 single currency for Germany Reorganized banks Coordinated railroads

Iron Chancellor Kept France weak & isolated Built strong links with Austria and Russia Respected British “Water rats” Ruthless methods for German unification Destroy local loyalties Crush opposition to imperial state

Review Where was William I crowned to demonstrate German dominance of Europe? What were 2 resources Germany had that allowed them to become an industrial giant? How did Germany lead the way for new industrial inventions and discoveries? Why was Otto von Bismarck known as the Iron Chancellor?

Campaign Against Church Catholics 1/3 population Bismarck was Lutheran Catholics 1st loyalty was to Pope Kulturkampf – “battle for civilization” put loyalty to State above Church Policies backfired

Campaign Against Socialists Oppressed Socialist movements Backfired Looked to woo workers Created laws to protect them Health & accident insurance Retirement benefits German pioneer on social reform Partially slowed Socialist movement

Kaiser William II Asked Bismarck to resign Resisted efforts for democratic reform Instituted social end economic reform Enlarged military Increased German Militarism & Nationalism

Closure What did Napoleon establish when he abolished the Holy Roman Empire? Who took over power as the German Chancellor? What speech did the new German Chancellor give that would set the tone for the entirety of his rule? Which war ushered in the Second Reich? How was Germany able to become an economic giant? Who asked the German Chancellor to eventually step down?