Aim How Did Otto Von Bismarck Unite Germany

Aim: How Did Otto Von Bismarck Unite Germany? German Unification

I. Bismarck Unites Germany • Otto Von Bismarck ▫ Used policy of “BLOOD AND IRON” to unite German states under Prussian Rule • Realpolitik ▫ Realistic politics aimed at practical outcomes • Army ▫ Increased $$$ for military ▫ Fought Wars for Power ▫ 1864 Alliance with Austria

II. Wars for Power • Austro-Prussian War (1866) ▫ Took over land in Northern Germany • Franco-Prussian War (1870) ▫ Bismarck relied on German nationalism

Austro-Prussian War

Franco Prussian War

III. German Empire • Kaiser Wilhelm I • 1871 Second Reich (Empire) • 2 House Legislature ▫ Bundesrat (Upper) ▫ Reichstag (Lower)

IV. German Economy • Improved Industry • Economic Strengths ▫ Iron and Coal Resources ▫ Disciplined and Educated Workforce ▫ Large Population • Scientific Development ▫ Railroad Development ▫ Standardized Currency ▫ Synthetic Chemicals, Optics and Steel

V. The Iron Chancellor • Goals ▫ Build Links with Austria and Russia ▫ Keep France Weak • Enemies ▫ Catholic Church ▫ Socialists (What is Socialism? )

• Bismarck vs. the Catholic Church ▫ Catholics 1/3 of German Population ▫ KULTURKAMPF – “Battle for Civilization” �Put the State (Country) First not God �Government Appoints Clergy and Supervise Schools • Bismarck vs. the Socialists ▫ German Marxists – Social Democratic Party ▫ Tried to Dissolve Groups • End Result ▫ Both Backfired Led to Social Reform and Laws to Protect Workers

VI. Kaiser Wilhelm II - 1888 • Asked Bismarck to Resign • Created Social Welfare Programs • Focused on Nationalism and Military Might