1. Nationalism: Unification of Germany
How and why does Prussia lead German unification?

2. Nationalism Unifies Germany
1861: Rioters in Berlin force a liberal constitution for the Kingdom of Prussia
Wilhelm I (Nationalist) becomes new King of Prussia
Wilhelm appoints a junker (landowner) named Otto von Bismarck to become PM
Bismarck’s goal is to expand Prussia’s territory & unite all the German states
Bismarck was a master of “real politik” meaning politics of reality (tough/practical)
Wilhelm I
Bismarck runs Prussia w/o Parliament’s consent – rule by blood & iron
Weak will be devoured by the strong!
1) 1864: Bismarck convinces Austria to join him in a war against Denmark
Schleswig-Holstein
Otto von Bismarck

3. Confederation of North German States
2) 1866: Prussia wants 22 Austrian controlled N. German states, attacks Austria starting Seven Weeks War
Austria humiliated, Prussia gets Confed. of N. German States
Confederation of North German States
3) 1867: France & Prussia go to war over control of So. German states
1866
1870: Prussia wins Franco-Prussian War, humiliationfor Napoleon III
4) 1871: Prussia unites the So. German States with rest of Prussia creating the Empire of Germany
Wilhelm becomes Kaiser of the German Empire – Bismarck is Chancellor (Prime Minister)