GERMAN UNIFICATION 1848 1871 Influences There were different

GERMAN UNIFICATION 1848 -1871

Influences § There were different elements to be considered in German Unification. § The most important were: -The impact of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic invasions -The Romanticism, nationalism and liberalism -The economic integration.

French Revolution´s impact § After 1815 Prussia's initial defeats by Napoleonic France demonstrated the need for administrative, economic and social reforms. § The reforms were the following: -professionalize the military -industrialize within the Prussian framework -land reforms to finish the junkers monopoly.

Ideology § Romanticism was a cultural movement that underlined the German spirit. § Revolutions expanded the ideas of the liberalism. § Nationalism appeared as a combination of cultural, historic, religious and political aims.

Economic integration § One of the problems of the area was that due to the number of borders between the states, commercial relations were difficult. § In 1834 the Zollverein or customs confederation began. § The economic innovation led to the middle classes asking for further political rights. § The development of a strong industrial base created an important middle class and reinforced the nationalist movement.

Chronology § 1834 Founding of the German Customs Union. § 1848 Revolution ending in the dissolution of the Prussian National Assembly. § 1849 Campaign for a constitution for the Reich in several territories. § 1850 Implementation of the Prussian Constitution. § 1861 Founding of the German Progress Party. § 1862 Bismarck became Prime Minister of Prussia

Chronology § 1863 Founding of the General German Workers Association § 1864 Prussian-Austrian victory over Denmark: Unification of the Northern States. § 1866 War between Prussia and Austria: dissolution of the German Confederation. § 1870 -71 Franco-German War. § 1871 Founding of the German Empire with Bismarck as Reich Chancellor and William I as Emperor.