19c - Unification of Germany (Lesson)
Unification of Germany.
Information below is adapted, in part, from the Giant EHAP Review Guide at HistoryTeacher.net
The process of German Unification began as early as 1834, when the Zollverein (Prussian-led economic union) was formed. Then in 1848, the Frankfurt Assembly reinforced the concept of a united Germany. In 1861, Wilhelm I mounted the Prussian throne, and in 1862 Bismarck was appointed Prime Minister.
Similarities to Italian Unification:
- events were not planned in advance (contrary to leaders' claims later on)
- industrialized north and rural south
- accomplished piece by piece
- used Realpolitik
- at first, leaders didn't want/expect full unification
- a big obstacle in both cases = Austria
When Wilhelm I came to power in 1861, there were not enough funds for military spending: Wilhelm wants more money, but Parliament doesn't want more taxes. Wilhelm appoints Otto von Bismarck, who collects taxes regardless (reminiscent of England w/Charles I). Only this time, because of the tradition of absolutism, the monarch won the question and, although they were angry, Parliament was unable to do anything about it.
Then, 1864 saw the Danish War in which Austria & Prussia fight the Danish. This war originates when the Danish want the traditional German provinces of Schleswig and Holstein. Naturally, the Austrians and Prussians win, and Austria gets Holstein while Prussia gets Schleswig at the Gastein Convention. It has been debated whether or not this was a deliberate plan by Bismarck to start war later.
In 1866, the Austro-Prussian (Seven Weeks) War starts. Bismarck instigates this war by causing trouble in Holstein, the Prussians defeat the Austrians as the Austrians have out of date military technology and are having to deal with these nationalist issues at home.
Next, in 1870, the Crisis of the Spanish Succession occurs as there is a question over who should be the next Spanish emperor. Bismarck proposes Leopold of Hohenzollern, Wilhelm's cousin. While the Cortes in Spain like the idea, France does not. Wilhelm backs down at Ems, but he won't promise to not try a similar tactic again when Napoleon III asks him to. Concerned, Wilhelm sends the Ems Telegram home to Bismarck informing him of Napoleon's demand. Bismarck changes a few choice words, releases it to the press, and is able to fight France without looking like the aggressor.
And so begins the Franco-Prussian War. Though France is favored, once again Prussia proves to be a military powerhouse. At the end of the war, the French are required to pay a huge indemnity, must surrender their claim to Alsace-Lorraine, and as well as watch Wilhelm be crowned Emperor of Germany at Versailles.
The creation of the German Empire shifted the European balance of power significantly. As if the establishment of a new nation-state encompassing an impressive amount of territory in central Europe were not enough, Otto von Bismarck dominated the diplomatic activity of the period playing a strategic game of juggling alliances to secure Germany against potential enemies. Central to Bismarck's diplomatic policy was the isolation of France as by 1875 France was threatening war to regain the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine. While this war was avoided, the German government recognized the need to maintain the Three Emperor's League (Austria, Russia, and Germany) in order to secure the eastern and southern borders of Germany.
In your notes, respond to the following.
- Describe the role Prussia played within the German lands prior to unification. How did Bismarck use Prussia to pursue a conservative vision of united German statehood?
- How does the concept “blood and iron” help one understand the process of German unification? What role did first Austria and then France play in Bismarck’s scheme?
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