1. Unification of Germany

2. Nationalism – where did it come from? Has been the most powerful political force over the past 200 years French Revolution gave birth to the idea of ‘nationalism’ It restructured European boundaries along ethnic lines

3. 4 Goals of Nationalism Bind people of common language and culture Demand loyalty of citizens Unite all classes – Not just the rich are proud to be a ___________ Glory and prestige for the nation & state

4. German Confederation 39 individual states – Ie. Prussia (the largest/strongest state) & Austria 1848 – Frankfurt Assembly tried to unite all of the states but it lacked support These states struggled with identity Question: Should they include various outer German speaking areas (Greater Germany) or just stick to the true German states (Little Germany)???

6. King Wilhelm I Did not expect to be king (b/c he had an older brother) & got little education 1861: his older brother died – so Wilhelm became King of Prussia Conflict in Prussia b/w the King (strong traditional conservative) & liberal Parliament (democratic) so Wilhelm appointed a conservative Chancellor (Prime Minister) After the Franco-Prussian war, Wilhelm became German Emperor of the German Empire

7. Otto Von Bismarck

8. Otto Von Bismarck - Background Prime Minister of Prussia A “Junker” – member of aristrocracy A conservative His goal – to strengthen Prussia

9. How was Germany unified? Bismarck War with Denmark Austro-Prussian War Franco-Prussian War

10. Bismarck Major force behind unification (even though he was really just looking to gain power for Prussia) He believes in doing whatever is necessary to achieve goals, so builds up Prussia’s army He sought to achieve unification through war

11. Denmark Austria is persuaded to join Prussia in a war against Denmark purpose is to free the Northern provinces Prussia keeps new territory for itself (gaining power and…) causes a war with Austria

12. Austro-Prussian War Austria declares war on Prussia (over Denmark) Prussia wins the war Prussia gains territory Austria is under Prussia’s control Important because Austria is their biggest rival

13. Franco-Prussian War By getting into a war with a rival nation, Bismarck hoped the remaining states would join Prussia through fear The German states do ultimately come together to win war Germany now has a Reich (unified nation with power)