The German Nation

Nationalism Pride and devotion to ones nation. Usually between people who share a common history, language and culture. German nationalism is sparked by Napoleon Bonaparte’s invasions and by the Congress of Vienna.

Congress of Vienna Metternich opposed a unified Germany because it would have unseated aGerman Confederation number of German kings. Instead a weak German Confederation was created, and headed by Austria. A confederation is a political unit where the individual states have more power than the overall government. Is the US a confederation? Why or why not? No, because the Federal government trumps the individual states’ powers.

What do you notice about the German Confederation?

Blood and Iron The confederation was lead by Austria, but Prussia was a serious political power as well. William I was leader in Prussia, and appointed Otto Von Bismarck as his Chancellor (Prime Minister) in 1862 Bismarck adopts a “Blood and Iron” strategy to promote support. He declares he will use force where necessary to unite the German people and ensure Prussian dominance.

Bismarck is “the man” Bismarck will forge Germany into a unified nation. He believed in real politik- realistic politics. Real politik- realistic politics based on a thorough evaluation of the needs of the state. Bismarck’s first move is to create a strong Prussian Army.

The end… For Bismarck, the end justifies the means. When he was denied funding by the legislature, he simply took money that was set aside for other purposes. End: A well armed and trained Prussian Army Means: taking money set aside for other items to create an army

Bismarck’s army Bismarck plans to use his army to increase Prussian power and influence. His Army will fight three wars over the next decade (1862-1870). Each battle increases German Unity under a Prussian ruler. His Army is first put to the test in Schleswig and Holstein.

Schleswig & Holstein 1864 Bismarck formed an alliance with Austria to seize the northern provinces of Schleswig and Holstein, an area heavily populate by German people. A brief war allowed them to “Liberate” Schleswig an Holstein. Prussia gets Schleswig Austria gets Holstein

Austria 1866 Bismarck invents an excuse to attack Austria. The fighting lasts just 7 weeks, but the superior Prussian army wins. Prussia and Bismarck celebrate by absorbing many of the smaller German nations and Austria. Bismarck dissolves the Confederation of German States set up by Metternich and the Congress of Vienna. Bismarck creates a confederation led by Prussia. What is a confederation? A group of strong states with an overarching government. The states tend to have more power.

Franco-Prussian War 1870 France was concerned with the Prussian win over Austria. The French openly stressed their concerns and protested when a Prussian prince was selected for the vacant throne of Spain. Though the situation was tense, neither side wanted to declare war. Bismarck changed that…

The end justifies…. Otto Von Bismarck rallied the German people and swayed public opinion against the French in by reminding them of Napoleon Bonaparte’s invasions. Bismarck sparked war by tampering with the records of a meeting between William I (Prussian King) and a French Ambassador. He made it look like William I had insulted the French. The French declared war: “On to Berlin!”

German Victory Bismarck led the well trained Prussian army, along with troops from several German nations. The Germans were able to easily defeat the French and soon the French surrendered. Does the Author support the Germans or the French?

German Expansion Bismarck claims the French lands of Alsace and Lorraine for the Germans. This was a humiliating defeat for the French

Kaiser William I With the victory over France the Germans felt a surge of nationalism and convinced William I to accept the title Kaiser (emperor) in 1871. This begins the 2nd Reich (empire): 1st Reich- Holy Roman Empire 900-1806 2nd Reich- Kaiser William I (Chancellor Bismarck) 3rd Reich- Adolf Hitler

Limited Reforms Under Kaiser William I Germany’s constitution set up a 2 house Legislature: Bundesrat Reichstag Upper house- members appointed by rulers of the German States Lower house- elected by universal male suffrage The Bundesrat could veto the Reichstag’s votes at any time. Therefore, power really just stayed with the Kaiser and his Chancellor. What’s wrong with this set up? Does it remind you of a similar situation in France? The Reichstag can always be outvoted. Similar to the Estates General where the 1st and 2nd Estates outvote the 3rd Estate.

Review Which Prussian leader followed a policy of “Blood and Iron” in order to create a unified Germany? 1. Metternich 2. Bolivar 3. Bismarck 4. Cavour

Review What was the main purpose of the Congress of Vienna?   1) To regain the strength lost by the Catholic Church in Europe 2) To create a new military plan for European domination in the Americas 3) To design a military plan to defeat Napoleon 4) To create a balance of power on the European continent

Review Who’s views would Chancellor Otto Von Bismarck be most likely to agree with? a) John Locke b) Machiavelli c) King Louis XVI d) Father Miguel Hidalgo