1. German Unification

2. Quote
“Germany does not look to Prussia’s liberalism, but to her power….The great questions of the day are not to be decided by speeches and majority resolutions….but by blood and iron!”
“Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made.”
Otto von Bismarck

3. Nationalism
Nationalism emerged during Napoleonic Wars. In 1848 liberals tried to achieve unity and Democracy.
Conservatives took control and Germany was united under a strong autocratic ruler.

4. Otto von Bismarck the Iron Chancellor
The architect of German unity
Junker
Diplomat in Russia and France before King Wilhelm made him chancellor
Policy called: Blood and Iron or militarism and war.
Realpolitic: do what is necessary to achieve goal of unification.

5. Architect of German Unity
Master of realpolitic
Used money collected for other purposes to strengthen the army
Strong army allowed him to use aggressive foreign policy

6. Victory in THREE Wars Schleswig and Holstein Austro-Prussian War
1864 alliance with Austria seized duchies from Denmark – divided spoils
Austro-Prussian War
1866 Prussia is victorious creates a Confederation dominated by Prussia.
Franco-Prussian War
1870 Ems dispatch –Otto made it seem Prussia insulted the French. French were defeated

7. The German Empire Wilhelm I takes the title Kaiser
January 1871 birth of the Second Reich
Set up a two house legislature – Reichstag
Bundesrat (appointed by ruler/veto) and Reichstag elected by people

8. German Industrial Giant
Supply of coal and Iron
Workforce was disciplined and educated
Growing population
Issued a single currency
Reorganized banking system and coordinated railroads

9. Iron Chancellor Foreign Policy Sought to keep France weak and isolated
He did not want to compete with the water rats – British
Domestic Policy
Erase local loyalties
Crush opposition
Targets socialists and Roman Catholics
Kulturkampf or battle for civilization – state had the right to supervise Catholic education
To combat socialism Otto sponsored Social Security reform!!!!