The Unification of The Unification of GermanyGermany

Mr. LoveMr. Love

Chapter 25 Section 2Chapter 25 Section 2

World HIS IIIWorld HIS III

Prussia as LeaderPrussia as Leader

Mid 1800’s - Germany is a patchwork of Mid 1800’s - Germany is a patchwork of independent states. (each state had own laws independent states. (each state had own laws and rulers)and rulers)

Prussia was defeated by Napoleon I in 1806. Prussia was defeated by Napoleon I in 1806. Prussia built up their army and defeated Prussia built up their army and defeated Napoleon I in 1815.Napoleon I in 1815.

They gained much of their power back.They gained much of their power back. In 1815, the German states formed the German In 1815, the German states formed the German

Confederation at the Congress of Vienna.Confederation at the Congress of Vienna. Prussia v. Austria – two most powerful statesPrussia v. Austria – two most powerful states

The ZollvereinThe Zollverein

A class of aristocratic landholders named A class of aristocratic landholders named the the JunkersJunkers were able to get rid of tariffs were able to get rid of tariffs between states. Allowed for free trade between states. Allowed for free trade between states. The customs union between states. The customs union became known as the became known as the Zollverein.Zollverein.

Created like policies in each state – trade, Created like policies in each state – trade, currency and economy.currency and economy.

Made the confederation of states much Made the confederation of states much more unified.more unified.

Bismark and Prussian StrengthBismark and Prussian Strength

In 1861 In 1861 William IWilliam I became King of Prussia. became King of Prussia. The next year he appoints Otto Von The next year he appoints Otto Von Bismark to head the Prussian cabinet.Bismark to head the Prussian cabinet.

Bismark built the army into a powerful war Bismark built the army into a powerful war machine.machine.

He used whatever policies needed to He used whatever policies needed to achieve his plans.achieve his plans.

Wars of UnificationWars of Unification

The Danish War – Denmark tried to claim lands The Danish War – Denmark tried to claim lands that did not belong to them. Prussia and that did not belong to them. Prussia and Austria declared war on Denmark and won Austria declared war on Denmark and won easilyeasily

The Seven Weeks’ War – Prussia fought Austria The Seven Weeks’ War – Prussia fought Austria over territory collected from the Danish War. over territory collected from the Danish War. Prussia wins easily in 7 weeks. Go figure.Prussia wins easily in 7 weeks. Go figure. Treaty of Prague ends war and many northern states Treaty of Prague ends war and many northern states

join with Prussiajoin with Prussia

Wars of UnificationWars of Unification

The Franco-Prussian War – Bismark The Franco-Prussian War – Bismark persuades the French to declare war persuades the French to declare war against Prussia. This effectively unifies against Prussia. This effectively unifies the North with the South. Prussia wins the North with the South. Prussia wins and gains more territory. and gains more territory.

Formation of the German EmpireFormation of the German Empire

In 1871, the German states dissolved to In 1871, the German states dissolved to create the German Empire. The King of create the German Empire. The King of Prussia became the Prussia became the kaiserkaiser, or king of , or king of Germany.Germany.

Legislative branch consisted of two Legislative branch consisted of two houses.houses. Bundesrat – upper house – held most powerBundesrat – upper house – held most power Reichstag – lower house – held little powerReichstag – lower house – held little power

ReviewReview

State which led the unification processState which led the unification process PRUSSIAPRUSSIA

Means by which unification was achievedMeans by which unification was achieved Strong military machineStrong military machine Fighting 3 successful warsFighting 3 successful wars

Major Factors leading to unificationMajor Factors leading to unification German Nationalism, Zollverein and German Nationalism, Zollverein and

Bismark’s Prussian Army.Bismark’s Prussian Army.