Otto Von Bismarck and the Dominance of Prussia

 Germany had existed in concept for hundreds of years  The people of Central Europe shared similar Language and Culture  Since the Middle Ages, Germany was loosely joined in the “Holy Roman Empire”  However, the different independent states which made up Germany each acted autonomously  Austria is a perfect example 1. Austria is German in Culture and Language 2. Austria was part of the Holy Roman Empire 3. Austria was the head of its own Multi-National Empire  Is Austria part of Germany?

 Since the Renaissance, a few small pure-German states had become powerful enough to participate in European politics  Prussia was the greatest example  However, most of Germany was led by petty princes and was constantly under threat  Germany, being in the middle of Europe, was also used as a battlefield in most of the major conflicts  Before Napoleon, Germany consisted of over 300 separate states

 Napoleon had massive influence in Germany  He destroyed the Holy Roman Empire  He re-organized Germany into 32 separate states (from 300)  He brought in modern concepts economic and political concepts  He inspired the people with the promise of Nationalism

 Germany was unlike any other region in Europe – it is huge... in terms of land, population and economic potential  If these people joined together, they would become the most powerful nation in Europe – maybe the world  This is pretty scary since these people have been stepped on and abused by every European power for centuries

 Austria was in an awkward spot – many Germans expected them to take the lead in forming the new nation  However, Austria was more concerned with it’s own empire – which they would lose if they tried to lead Germany  Instead, they choose to crush German nationalism, fearing it the country would form without them  They could not allow Germany to form because they would lose their spot as the most powerful nation in central Europe and perhaps cause the downfall of the Austrian Empire  This is why Metternich takes such a lead role at the Congress of Vienna

 Otto Von Bismarck  The Prime Minister of Prussia  Loved Prussia but realized that Germany would be formed one day.  Therefore, if Germany was to be, Prussia should lead it.  Bismarck was the perfect example of Realpolitik. He was one of the most devious, unprincipled and power hungry people in History.  Bismarck famous quote was “The issues of the day will be solved by Blood and Iron”  Therefore, Germany would be formed through war and death not through talk.

 Bismarck’s strategy was simple: he would take advantage of Germany’s national fear (the need for protection).  He would draw the German states to him through demonstrations of Military dominance  He set out to create the most modern and disciplined military in the entire world  When he feels strong enough he builds an alliance with Austria and picks a fight with Denmark (1864)  With Austrian help, the Prussians destroy the Danish military  Prussia and Austria take Schleswig- Holstein from Denmark

 War #2: Prussia vs. Austria  Bismarck knew that in order to move forward with his plans, he needed to demonstrate that Prussia was stronger than Austria  Austria and Prussia both wanted war to settle the German issue and started fighting over a minor problem  Prussia easily defeated Austria by using new technology (the Train, heavy Artillery, and the Needle gun)  However, Bismarck still did not have the support of all the German States  Italy took advantage of Austria’s position and took Venetia

 Prussia’s defeat of Austria was stunning  Prussia was a middle power – Austria was traditionally a great power  Prussian generals (as per their custom) demanded that they be allowed to Parade through Vienna (Austria’s Capital)  What did Bismarck tell them?

 The Spanish throne was Vacant  The throne was offered to a German Prince – a Hohenzollern (the same Royal family as Prussia)  France (under Louis Napoleon) didn’t want a possible alliance between Prussia and Spain  The Hohenzollern prince was forced to back off  But France wanted more... they demanded that King Wilhelm of Prussia forever promise to stop anyone from his family from taking the Spanish throne  In a meeting between King Wilhelm and the French Ambassador, the King politely refused  The incident should have stopped here!

 To Bismarck, this was the situation he had been waiting his entire life for?  Can anyone see what Bismarck saw?

 With the Kings permission he published an account of the meeting and gave it to the press  In his account, he made it sound like the meeting was very confrontational  In was designed to insult both Prussians and the French  The reaction was perfect – The French were insulted and declared war  The Prussians declared themselves to be victims of French aggression – another example of a great power bullying a German state  Bismarck turned to other German states and begged them for help – German people, sick of this treatment from the rest of Europe – especially France – rallied to Prussia defence  Bismarck’s note is now know as the Ems Dispatch  What happens next?

 The French Invaded lands in  The well disciplined, technically advanced and motivated Prussian Army – supported by several German states – met them in fierce battle  The shocking result – Prussia wins decisively!  With Prussia’s defeat of France – it established itself as a major world power  The small German states recognize Bismarck’s genius and Prussia’s leadership  In 1871, King Wilhelm of Prussia dissolves his monarchy and accepts a new crown – Kaiser Wilhelm of the German Empire  The Ceremony is held in the Palace of Versailles!

P.S. Italy seizes the opportunity and takes an unprotected Rome from the Pope Thanks again Germany!

 Prussia was able to defeat France  The Combined strength of every German state – organized under Prussian Militarism – was now clearly the most powerful nation in the world  All of Europe was terrified over what would happen next  This was Bismarck’s Genius – he knew when to stop!  He would build a new peace in Europe

 France – they would always be an enemy – Bismarck attempted to politically isolate them  England – they cared little for European politics. As long as there was Peace and no threats to there colonies or Naval Power, they were content. Bismarck kept friendly ties with England and actively traded with them. He also refused to build large naval vessels or seek out colonies.  Austria – by refusing to march through Vienna, Bismarck had the opportunity to repair the relationship – he offered Germany’s service to Austria in their growing conflict with Russia (The Eastern Question)  Russia – he offered Germany’s service to Russia in their growing conflict with Austria  Everybody was happy – except France  Bismarck’s peace lasted for years

 Bismarck was forced out in 1890  The new Kaiser was young and energetic – he had visions for Germany that differed from Bismarck’s  How long would the peace last without someone careful holding it together?