1. Building a German Nation

2. German Unity
In the early 1800s, German-speaking people lived in a number of medium-sized states
Goal: Unify Germany
Otto von Bismarck: Chancellor of Germany (prime minister); united German states under Prussian rule
Realpolitik- Realistic politics based on the needs of the state

3. Prussian Wars
Bismarck led Prussia into war to increase power and pave way for German unity
War with Denmark & Austria: ended in decisive Prussian victory, Prussia annexed several northern German states
Franco-Prussian War: France defeated by Prussia

4. Otto von Bismarck “Iron Chancellor”
Kulturkampf- Battle for civilization
Goal: To make Catholics put loyalty to the state above allegiance to the church
Did not trust Catholics (He was Lutheran)
Also campaigned against socialists
Saw a threat to German empire
Plans were only partly successful & some backfired

5. The German Empire
William I of Prussia took the title Kaiser- emperor of Germany
Second Reich- second empire, heir to the Holy Roman Empire
Germany industrialized & became a European industrial power

6. Kaiser William II Asked Bismarck to resign
Believed his right to rule came from God
Government provided services:
Social welfare: Programs to help certain groups of people
Taught students obedience to the emperor along with reading, writing, and mathematics
Nationalism & aggressive militarism will increase tensions prior to WWI…