UNIFICATION OF GERMANY

Steps to Unification•The Revolution of 1848 - inspiration•The Promise of Reforms – Wilhelm IV•The Zollverein – economic unity•German Unification – Otto von Bismarck & Realpolitik

The “German Question” 2 Basic Political Concepts to deal with

the formation of Germany1. “Greater German Solution” – a Germany

that would include Austria2. “Lesser German Solution” – A Germany

without Austria Which solution would be more

nationalistic?

The Rise of Prussia Napoleon’s Restrictions

Limited the size of the Prussian army Forced to pay large indemnities Forced to support an occupying army Contributed soldiers to France

Prussia’s Response Creative method to create a well-oiled military

Congress of Vienna strengthens Prussia 2/3 of Saxony Area along the Rhine River Part of the newly established German Confederation

(39 separate states including Prussia and Austria)

Economic Unification Need for Reform

Tariffs restricted trade - more costly – sell less Junkers – lead an economic reform movement – Free

Trade 1818 – King of Prussia abolishes tariffs in Prussian territory 1820-34 – German States sign trade agreements with

each other limiting restrictions 1834 – Zollverein established as a customs union

Functions Prices were lower and more uniform Tariff protection from outside markets Adopted uniform system of weights and measurements and currency Lead to increased markets and industrialization

Austria was not a member state

Prussia as the Nucleus State Otto von Bismarck – Prussian Prime Minister for Wilhelm

I Realpolitik – a practical government philosophy with

policies based on the interests of Prussia Germany unity would not be won “ by speeches and

majority vote but by blood and iron” Dismissed parliament and collected taxes Strong central authority

2 Major Obstacles towards German Unification Drive Austria from their leadership in the German Conf. Overcome Austria’s influence in the southern German

States Bismarck will use war to accomplish his goals

3 Major Wars Danish War – Denmark tried to annex 2

territories they had ruled for centuries Schleswig – mix of Germans & Danes Holstein – entirely German

Bismarck convinced Austria to an Alliance and soundly defeated Denmark

The Treaty of Gastein in 1865 - Austria – Holstein & Prussia – Schleswig

Bismarck again manipulates the outcome for the future

Seven Weeks’ War No one believed Austria could be beaten by Prussia Bismarck’s diplomacy and trickery

Napoleon III remained neutral thinking it would receive territory on the Rhine

Formed an alliance with the new nation of Italy – would receive Venetia

Bismarck provoked Austria into war – sent troops into Holstein Treaty of Prague

Dissolved the German Conf. Austria surrenders Holstein & Venetia Formation of the North German Confederation

Each state had self government King of Prussia – hereditary pres. of the Conf. Prussia dominated the legislature Bavaria, Baden, Wurttenberg remained outside Prussian influence

Franco-Prussian War Provoke a war with France to unify southern states 1870 Spain sought a new ruler

Prince Leopold – cousin of King of Prussia France objects – Napoleon III demand Leopold turn

down the offer France insists on a public pledge that no Hohenzollern

would ever be a candidate for the Spanish throne Ems Telegram – Bismarck manipulates the telegram to show

the French humiliating Wilhelm – released to the press "a red rag to the Gallic bull.” (Bismarck) When France declared war the southern states united with Prussia Why did Bismarck treat France more harshly than Austria at the

end of the Seven Weeks’ War?

Hall of Mirrors

On January 18, 1871 the creation of a Unified Germany excluding AustriaKing William IBismarck - Chancellor(remained the Prime Minister of Prussia as well)

A New Constitution A federal form of government with an allowance for

individual states rights Had its own ruler Right to handle their own domestic matters

Education, law enforcement, local taxation Bavaria unique in its right to control military

Federal Government National defense, foreign affairs and commerce Kaiser “Emperor”

Appointed the Chancellor Commanded the army and navy Could declare a defensive war on his own Could declare an offensive war with Bundesrat

agreement

A Bicameral Legislature Bundesrat

The upper house 58 appointed members Approved bills from the executive Strongly controlled by autocratic

landholders who support the Emperor

Reichstag lower house 400 members elected by universal

manhood suffrage Limited powers

Could approve military budgets once every 7 years

No real legislative power

Opposition to Bismarck

Kulturkampf

“State within a State” “Syllabus Errorum” - 1864

Condemned civil marriage and civil education

Doctrine of Papal Infallibility Created a rift between Bismarck and

the Catholic Center Party Strong support in south and Alsace &

Lorraine

Measures Taken Expelled Jesuits May Laws

Forbade political expression from the pulpit Required clergy be German and educated in German schools Established civil marriage

Broke ties with the Vatican Confiscated church property Heinz Kullmann attempts to assassinate the “Iron

Chancellor” Ended in failure by 1887

“that in fashioning a rod to beat off the pope they were making a scourge for their own backs”(Crankshaw)

German Industrialization Germany prospered under Bismarck’s

leadership How would you compare his economic

philosophy to that of Adam Smith (be specific) and how did Bismarck create his greatest opposition in the SDP?

Growing Opposition 1869 -formation of the Social Democratic

Party 1871 - 2 members elected to the

Reichstag 1877 - members reach 12 1877 - won 490,000 votes 2 attempted assassinations against the

Kaiser gave him his chance to attack the SDP

Measures to limit the SDP Dissolved the Reichstag and held new

elections -- failed Repressive laws

Newspapers and books prohibited from spreading socialist ideas

Banned socialist political parties He finally reverses his strategy with

some success

Concessions Health Insurance Act - which entitled workers to health

insurance; the worker paid two-thirds, and the employer one-third, of the premiums.

Accident insurance was provided Old Age Pension and disability insurance were established Other laws restricted the employment of women and children.