Nationalism in... Austria, Italy, & Germany

Austrian Empire The Austrian Empire was a collection of many diverse nationalities, languages, and religions. How could this create problems concerning the administration and ruling of the empire?

Austria and Prussia went to war in The Prussians had better leaders, better equipment, and utilized superior strategy.

The Austrian Empire became the Austrian-Hungarian Empire after its defeat at the hands of the Prussians.

One of the most important factors in the Prussian victory over the Austrians was the Prussian needle gun. The Austrians were using guns which had to be loaded from the muzzle (front of the barrel) of the gun. Most of the Prussian troops were using the “Needle Gun”. The “Needle Gun was loaded through the breech (side of the weapon). Furthermore it used a round which contained the shot and powder in a metal jacket. ** In what ways was the Prussian weapon far superior to the Austrian weapon? Austrian weapon?

The Prussian chancellor Bismarck used warfare as an instrument of national policy. He used a series of three wars to unify the German states and make Germany the most powerful country on the continent of Europe. Bismarck is well known for his policy of Realpolitik (the Reality of Politics) – power politics. He also stated that the “Blood and Iron” of Germany would make Germany mighty. What represented the blood and the iron of Germany? Lastly, Bismarck was credited with saying that he negotiated and governed with a “Mailed Fist.” What did Bismarck mean by each of these statements?

Bismarck’s wars of unification Bismarck’s wars of unification What three countries did Bismarck provoke war with in order to unify Germany?

In 1871 Wilhelm I was crowned Kaiser of the new German Empire - and the second Reich was born. The Prussian victories and subsequent unification worried the other European powers. The balance of power on the European continent had now swung decisively in Germany’s favor.

Until 1860 Italy was a collection of small independent states.

With the help of Camillo di Cavour Victor Emmanuel II united Northern Italy. In the South Guiseppe Garibaldi (leader of the Red Shirts) worked to unite the Italian states.

Italian unification completed Despite unification Italy still had many unsolved economic and social problems. Italy did not become highly industrialized - this would plague Italy well into the 20th century!

Italy’s lack of Industrial might would be one of the biggest reasons for the Italian Army’s poor performance in both world wars!!!!! WWI WWII