The German Nation

Germany Before 1794 ~ 360 separate states Before 1871 ~ 39 loosely organized states

Toward Unification Early 1800’s, Napoleon dissolved H.R.E. Nap. annexed land on Rhine R. – Alsace-Lorraine for France Organized many German states into the Rhine Confederation (39 from 360) People began to fight French rule Demand unified German state

Unification (continued…) Struggle for power/control of Germany Austria (Old guard) VS Prussia (Rising power)

Toward Unification… *German Confederation- weak alliance led by Austria -Long-time Imperial power, superior to smaller, German states *Prussia was the real power though -Best trained military in Europe -Voltaire- "Where some states have an army, the Prussian Army has a state!"

Unification continued… Congress of Vienna-1815 Prussia’s territory greatly increased Made it most powerful in north Germany and able to compete with Austria Most German states want unification Who will lead? Prussia? Austria? Lesser Germany -Greater Germany

Prussians Pressure 1834 Creation of the Zollverein Disposed of tariffs between German states Austria excluded Economy improved drastically Prussia’s power/influence increases Frankfurt Assembly-1848 Frederick William IV turns down throne offer

“Blood and Iron” 1862- William I names new chancellor Otto von Bismarck Realpolitik- politics based on needs of the state. Power over principles Goal to make Hohenzollerns powerful

Bismarck Wanted to build up the military Legislature denied Otto’s request “The position of Prussia in Germany will be dictated… by iron and blood…” Bismarck obtained funding from other areas.

3 Wars Schleswig-Holstein Dispute between Prussia and Denmark Mostly Germanic people Russia and Austria? Prussia concedes Austrian predominance in German Confederation Just for show to take over Schleswig-Holstein No fight with Russia desired Prussia allies with Austria, split spoils

Austro-Prussian War After defeat of Denmark, territories divided by Austria and Prussia Tensions mount Battle of Königgrätz Prussians defeat Austria Peace of Prague- Prussia allows Austria to keep all their lands. Eliminate revenge factor

Austro-Prussian War cont’d Prussia annexed several of Austria’s northern allies (Hanover, Frankfurt, Schleswig-Holstein, etc.) Prussia now made up of 4/5 of population, clearly most powerful of German states Austria now looked to Prussia to maintain its crumbling power

Franco-Prussian War Bismarck’s goal = unification under Prussia Needed war w/France to reclaim land Couldn’t start the war Needed an excuse Napoleon III worried about increasing Prussian strength Otto exaggerated “French menace” to stir German nationalism

Franco-Prussian War cont’d Spanish throne empty… Otto encourages Hohenzollern family member to pursue candidacy Napoleon III scared… and irate Demanded removal of candidate King Wilhelm I gives in contrary to Otto’s advice. EMS Dispatch…

Franco-Prussian War cont’d French declare war on Prussia Prussia mobilizes very quickly France defeated in few weeks Alsace & Lorraine ceded back to Prussia William I takes title, “Kaiser” in the hall of mirrors at Versailles Bismarck proclaims the “German Empire” (Kaiser Wilhelm I)

Industrial Giant After unification, Germany most dominant power in Europe Iron and coal Disciplined/Educated workforce Growing population Encouraged science/research

Please read pages 570-576 Please ALSO read page 583 ***QUIZ TOMORROW***