1. The Unification of Deutschland
Prussia
The Unification of Deutschland

2. Remember Back… After Congress of Vienna Austria-Hungary
1815 German Confederation
Buffer to French expansion
Austria-Hungary
Does not want a united Germany
Nor do smaller German states
-They will have less political and economic say

3. Prussia Largest German state Well organized government Strong economy
Zollverein-Economic Union (1834)
Businesses reduced trade barriers between German states
Where is there a Zollverein present today?

4. Revolutions of 1848 Conservatives HATE
Liberals: who want to limit state interference in individual life and urged voting rights.
Want a New constitution
However, Conservatives take over the government
1850 Liberal and Radical Germans flee the country for their lives

5. Wilhelm I (William) of Prussia
Strong military
Expands army
Prussian citizens see this as a threat and refuse more taxation for military spending
Prime Minister: Otto von Bismarck
Conservatives- wanting to restore power to the Kings opposed to revolutionary ideas on rights of individuals

6. Realpolitik
- right of the nation-state to pursue its own advantage by any means, including war.
Bismarck’s policy
“Blood and Iron”
How the issues of the times would be decided
Bismarck would step over congress and tax for more war

7. Blood and Iron “Blood and Iron”
How the issues of the times would be decided
Bismarck would step over congress and tax for more war

8. “Show me an objective worthy of war and I will go along with you”
“Show me an objective worthy of war and I will go along with you” Bismarck
Bismarck wanted
Unification of Germany
Crush Austrian sphere of influence in German states
To do list
1. War with Denmark - take territories (Schleswig/Holstein)
2. Seven Weeks’ War- in which he crush Austria
3. Franco-Prussian War- in which he Defeat Napoleon III

9. How to accomplish your goal…
Use Nationalism
Same language, culture, traditions
Sense of superiority
Books
Music
Ethnocentrism- idea ones culture is better than any one else's.

10. Rockin’ the Pope Bismarck Prussians = Protestants
Southern Germans = Catholic
Both had political parties
Bismarck
Viewed Catholics as Anti-nationalist
Supported more Protestant political affairs
Did not want papal influences
Expelled Jesuit priests in 1872
Laws made to cut the Churches authority
Weddings performed by secular officials

11. Rise of German Socialism
Social Democratic party 1875
Industrialization of German
Plight of the workers
Workingmen’s Association 1863 – labor organization
Influenced by Marx
Political force
Bismarck did not trust the party

12. New Kaiser Death of Wilhelm I 1888 Wilhelm II
Wilhelm II takes over (grandson of Wilhelm I)
Wilhelm II
-political policy-militarism
-support for a powerful military prepared for war
-Emperor/Kaiser was absolute authority
-Conflict with Bismarck
-Bismarck resigns 1890

13. Activity
In pairs come up with five ways German Nationalism will lead to world conflicts in the 20th century.
Think about
Ethnocentrism
Militarism