Unification of Germany The Age of Bismarck

Germany

Background to German Unification Prior to the French Revolution there were over 300 German states. Prussia & Austria were the largest states At the Congress of Vienna the German states were consolidated into 39. The smaller number of German states will encourage feelings of Nationalism among these German States.

Why not unify?? We have Common ideas and Beliefs Currency Zollverein (TSOHL fer yn): trade without a tariff & common currency. Common Government and Laws Realpolitik: Artful, shrewd approach to politics that completely disregards individuals & provides for the needs of the state. Religion shared by all or most people Catholic or Protestant (Bismarck)

Otto Von Bismarck “Iron Chancellor” 1862 – King William I of Prussia appointed Otto von Bismarck Prime Minister Bismarck will build the Army into a powerful war machine. “Blood and Iron”- War and violence. Goal: The use of war to unite the German states under one rule… not Austrian, but Prussian rule!

“Blood and Iron” “Prussia must build up & preserve her strength for the favorable moment which has already come & gone many times. Her borders under the treaties of Vienna are not favorable to the healthy existence of the state. The great questions of the day will not be settled by speeches & majority decisions- that was the great mistake of 1848 & 1849- but by blood & iron.” –Otto Von Bismark

3 Wars of German Unification (Each will be explained on next 3 slides) The Danish War (1864) Prussia and Austria vs. Denmark The Seven Weeks War (1866) Austria vs. Prussia The Franco- Prussian War (1871) Prussia vs. France

Danish War (1864) In 1864 Prussia & Austria vs Denmark Prussia & Austria won easily It was decided that Schleswig was to be under Prussian control and Holstein under Austrian control.

Seven Weeks War (1866) (Austro-Prussian War) Bismarck wasn’t finished in creating a united Germany yet. In 1866, he provoked a war with Austria to completely annex Schleswig and Holstein to Prussia. Result Bismarck and Prussia win. Several north German states joined the North German Confederation

Franco- Prussian War (1871) Bismarck was not done. He wanted all German states were united under Prussian rule. He decided to rally them against a common enemy… the French. The Ems Dispatch was written, which played up alleged insults between the Prussian King and the French ambassador, this inflamed public opinion on both sides. France mobilized, and declared war on Prussia only, but the other German states quickly joined on Prussia's side.

Franco- Prussian War (1871) The Germans defeated the French Result all German states joined with Prussia to form a united German Nation. France gave up part of Alsace and part of Lorraine.

New German Nation In 1871, Germany was ruled by Kaiser Wilhelm I. Bismarck was named Chancellor and had total power. There was no legislature (Elected Body). Bismarck used policy of “Realpolitik” to govern. He acted with little regard to ethics, morals or legalities to do what he thought was best for the nation. His goal was to strengthen the military and industrialize Germany… Blood and Iron!

Will it all fit under one hat? What did the German helmet come to symbolize? What is the name of the policy for building up a nation’s military called? Military Threat Militarism

Unification of Italy Garibaldi

The Italian States Unite, 1859-1870

Why not unify? Regionalism-Most people in Italy identified more with their region (Ex. Piedmont-Sardinia, Papal States, Venetia) than that of the idea of a Unified Italy, this belief hurt Italian Unification movements.

Factors That will eventually lead to Italian Unification Geography Italy is isolated The Alps are to the North, surrounded by oceans. Geographic isolation allows Italy to develop its own ways, customs. History Italians are very proud of their heritage, including the Italian Renaissance. Napoleon’s conquest of Italian states led to a desire not to be conquered again  Italian unity. Efforts of Three Men: Mazzini (Spirit), Garibaldi (Sword), Cavour (Brain)

Giuseppe Mazzini “Spirit” In 1832, he formed Young Italy, made up of young people whose job it was to arouse enthusiasm for a united nation. Tried revolution but it failed.

Cavour was the P. Minister of P-S Count Cavour, “Brain” Count Camillo di Cavour was the “architect” (planner) of Piedmont-Sardinia’s revolt against Austria. Cavour was the P. Minister of P-S This revolt encouraged other Italian states to revolt.

Giuseppe Garibaldi, “Sword” In 1860, Garibaldi first invaded Sicily, & got them to join Piedmont-Sardinia under the leadership of Victor Emmanuel. Garibaldi then headed up Italy to Rome where he turned over power to Victor Emmanuel.

Risorgimento To “rise again” 19th-century movement for Italian unification that culminated in the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy in 1871.