The Rise of Modern Germany

How did Germany develop as a modern imperialistic country?

What elements helped to spark Germany culture and spirit? — Prior to the 19th Century ◦ Loosely-allied states known as the

— Most powerful: ◦ Austria-Hungry ◦

— No central German state

What was Germany like prior to the 19th Century? — The German Confederation was created after the ◦ Post-1815

— Was created by the ◦ A gathering of European powers who wanted to prevent future wars

How was the German Confederation created? The Congress of Vienna (September 1, 1814 – June 9, 1815) Coin Commemorating the Opening of the Congress of Vienna — Undo everything had done… ◦ Reduce French territory ◦ Restore as many former monarchs as possible

— Create a new order in ◦ Motto: “There is always an alternative to conflict”

What was the main objectives of the Congress of Vienna? — The Congress established basic rules for Europe: ◦ Balance of Power ◦ Legitimacy of gov. ◦ Compensation

— For : ◦ 3-5 year occupation ◦ Pay a war bill of 7 million francs ($130 mill.) ◦ Loss of pre-Napoleon empire

What were the results of the Congress of Vienna? Europe in 1812 Europe After the Congress of Vienna The Germanic Confederation, 1815 — Prussia was dominate in the Confederation for a number of reasons: – Large population – Strong military tradition – Quick to industrialize

— Prussia would also develop strong leadership – King Wilhelm I –

What made Prussia one of the dominate German states? — Otto von Bismarck – The George Washington of Germany

— 1815-1898 ◦ Prime Minister of Prussia

— “Politics of Reality” ◦ “Survival of the Fittest

— “Blood and iron”

Who eventually will lead Prussia & German unification? Not to be confused with the really big boat… Great quotes from Otto von Bismarck “The less people know about how sausages and laws are made, the better they’ll sleep at night.”

“Never believe in anything until it has been officially denied.”

“The great questions of the day will not be settled by speeches and majority decisions, but by blood and iron.” — Bismarck used a combination of intimidation and military force: – Manipulated foreign powers – Forced neighbors into joining his cause – Outright invasion

— Between 1865 and 1871, united all of the German states under Prussian rule How did Bismarck unite Germany under a single ruler? Step #1: The Danish War [1864]

• Conflict between Prussian & Denmark

• A giant victory for Bismarck • Helped to bring new territory and people to Prussia Step #2: Austro-Prussian War [Seven Weeks’ War], 1866

— A three-month war between Prussia and Austria-Hungary ◦ June-August, 1866

— Results: ◦ Formally united all German states under Bismarck ◦ Weakened Austria’s power over German territories Step #3: The Creation of the , 1867

— In 1867, Bismarck declares the creation of the German Empire ◦ End of the peace imposed by the Congress of Vienna ◦ Made many of Prussia’s neighbors nervous — Some foreign powers: ◦ France

— 1870 - Franco-Prussian War ◦ France is defeated within four (4) months

— War ended with the Treaty of Frankfurt (1871) ◦ France is occupied by German troops ◦ Pays Germany’s war debts ◦ Loses industrial-rich territory

Did anyone oppose Bismarck's rise to power? The Ems Dispatch (1870) Step #4: Franco-Prussian War [1870-1871]

German soldiers “abusing” the French. Bismarck and Napoleon III discussing France’s surrender, 1871 The German Occupation of France (1871) Treaty of Frankfurt signing at the Palace of Versailles (1871) Why do you think the Treaty of Versailles was the way it was…