1. Germany Introduction By S. Angelo Head Teacher History
East Hills Girls Technology High School

2. German History: Problems
Much of German History is clouded by the results of World War II and Nazism
Much of the progressive and humane aspects of German social and political spheres have been overshadowed by the military and more extreme forces
Historians have often tried to explain the development of Nazism by linking it to a concept of “German” or as part of a national characteristic that developed as a result of historical circumstances

3. The German Nation Germany as a state did not exist until 1871
Germany described a locality where people spoke German rather than a nation of people
In 1789, just before the French Revolution, this locality consisted of about 300 different “states” mostly rules by kings
The most powerful were Prussia and Austria

4. Effects of the Napoleonic Wars
The ideas of liberalism spread by Napoleon’s armies throughout Europe
Liberalism = freeing up of economic life
In 1813 Austria and Prussia fought against Napoleon and won in 1815
This, however, only resulted in an attempt to restore the pre revolutionary status quo

5. Congress of Vienna
Von Metternich – Austrian Chancellor dominated the congress – he was a conservative (believed in traditional values)
This resulted in a return to the previous divisions of Germany monarchies but in a simplified form
This resulted in a reduction to only 38 states
He also ensured that Austria continued to dominate German affairs and formed a Germanic Confederation

6. Germanic Confederation
This was a loose federal body joining the governments of the German speaking states
Through this, von Metternich & other conservatives hoped to reinstate/restore traditional institutions (Church, monarchy, nobility, landowners)
Forces of order joined to attempt to prevent change – especially from the proletariat

7. The Unification of Germany 1
1815 – 1848 often referred to as the “Age of Metternich”
This was a period of struggle between the reactionary policies of Metternich and the forces of change
These forces – referred to as liberals – activated for political and economic reform

8. Aims of Liberalism Parliamentary government\
Limitations on monarchs’ powers
Civil liberties
Free economy
Rapid industrialisation
Economic growth
Demolish aristocratic privilege
National unity

9. The Unification of Germany 2
Revolution of 1848
After a series of poor harvests and a downturn of the economy the situation that was ripe for change
The news of a successful revolution in Paris led to rioting in Austria and Prussia
Prussia was forced to appoint a liberal government
Other states followed
Late in 1848 the liberal governments were dismissed and conservatives ones appointed
This led to a decade of conservative rule

10. Otto von Bismarck
1864 – 1871
Bismarck used Prussian military and economic power to defeat neighbouring countries
Set up a conservative German Empire
This was the Second Reich
Created with “Blood and Iron”
Parliament elected by universal suffrage

11. Second Reich
Build up of navy and army to dominate Europe and assert itself
Strong aggressive ideas predominate
Militarism
Anti-semitism
Social Darwinism

12. Structure of 2nd Reich

13. Weimar Republic
Increasingly threatened by liberal and socialist movements in Germany
Popular revolution led to creation of Weimar in 1919
Democratic
Opposed military traditions
Failed to gain support and collapsed in 1933

14. End of Presentation