The Unification of Germany

A German Nation is Forged

Background to German Unification

Prior to the French Revolution, there were more than 300 German states.

Prussia and Austria were the largest.

The Congress of Vienna reduced the number of German states to 39.

The smaller number of German states encouraged feelings of nationalism and patriotism among these German states.

Barriers to German Unification

Rulers of smaller states feared loss of power in a united Germany.

Protestant/Catholic hostility.

Economic differences between western industrial and agricultural eastern states.

Factors Encouraging German Unification

Napoleon encouraged German unification with the Confederation of the Rhine.

Intellectuals supported a German Nation: Frankfurt Assembly

Congress of Vienna created a German Confederation made up of 39 states.

How Bismarck United Germany

Prussia led German unification

Otto von Bismarck led Prussia Conservative chosen as Prime

Minister Stood for absolutism, Divine

Right Monarchy and the Protestant Lutheran Church

Did not trust people or democracy

Master of Realpolitick Politics of reality

William U, King of Prussia, appointed Bismarck chief minister in the Prussian Parliament, 1848.

Blood and Iron

“Not by speeches and resolutions of majorities are the great questions of the time decided upon – but by blood and iron”.

Bismarck engaged in Realpolitick, by exploiting rivalries and balance of power considerations to unify the German areas.

Bismarck’s Policies

Made socialism illegalImproved working

conditionsPersecuted national and

religious minorities, especially Catholics.

Tried to isolate France by allying with Austria and Russia

Use of RealpolitikRealpolitik – Decisions not

based on ideological or moral considerations, but are based on self-interest.

German Unification DBQ

Analyze the primary sources related to German unification in the 19th century and respond to the questions on the handout.