GERMAN UNIFICATION German States Become One Germany Before

GERMAN UNIFICATION German States Become One

Germany Before Unification

Germany After Unification

How did Germany Become One? Steps to Unification

Background of Prussia • • Empire during the 1830’s Declining political power Made up of German speaking territories Got rid of tariffs between German states, (no longer have to pay taxes to trade between the states).

Effect of Napoleon • Began to organize the German states • Brought religious tolerance, dissolved serfdom, and made trade easier • Brought the idea of nationalism • Germans fought against Napoleon to rid land of French rule • Nationalism sparked idea of One Germany

Before Bismark • Liberals wanted a unified Germany • Napoleon defeated, Congress of Vienna said no to unified German states • Fredrick William IV rejected throne to unified Germany because the “people” wanted to crown him, not the church

Otto Von Bismark

Otto Von Bismark • Prussian • Became chancellor, 1862 As chancellor has almost as much political power as the King to make laws and changes • Lead the charge to unify Germany, (third try) • German states had lot’s of nationalism • Bismark tried to bring more political power to the ruling family of Prussia

Real. Politik • Bismark’s policy • Politics based on what is good for the state. Realistic

“Blood and Iron” • Bismark’s speech demanding a stronger, larger Prussian army • Despite being voted against, Bismark strengthened army • Used the army to fight in 3 major wars that would lead to Germany’s unification

Wars 1 and 2 Schleswig and Holstein

Schleswig and Holstein War with Denmark • 1864 - Bismarck makes friends with Austria • Austria takes the territory of Schleswig and Holstein from Denmark • Prussia and Austria divided up the two German speaking lands

War 2: War with Austria • 2 years after Prussia helped “liberate” Schleswig and Holstein, picked a fight with Austria • Seven week war • Prussia won • Prussia took away Austrian control of the German territory and took control • Allowed some German territory to remain independent to prevent anger

War 3: Franco-Prussian • France vs. Prussia, 1870 • France upset at Prussian victory over Austria • Bismarck used image of Napoleon to rally German support against a French take-over • French felt insulted, declared war • Prussia won

GERMANY! • Bismarck succeeded in uniting Germany • Forced 3 wars in order to get a united Germany • German’s were full of Nationalism and German pride • German Empire William I was offered throne by other princes • Became Kaiser • 1871 - Second Reich

German Empire • • Bismarck set up a two house legislature Upper house, elected by rulers Lower house, elected by male suffrage Bismarck set up a constitution, where he and the Kaiser could veto any decision Germany became an industrial giant in late 1800’s First country to utilize the value of science and developing chemicals Empire had political strength and economic power On it’s way to becoming a world power… (1914…)

Iron Chancellor • Bismarck ruled Germany with an iron fist • Wanted to keep France weak • No drive to fight with the British • Wanted to crush all people against a unified Germany • Kulturkampf- “battle for civilization: ”attack catholic church. Put love of state above love of church

The Kaiser • • William II 1890 Democratic reforms Placed social reforms for certain groups Aggressive foreign policy Extreme German nationalism Pave way to tensions to WWI……