Historical Features of Germany • Enlightenment doesn’t cross the Rhine • German Industrialization – In two generations, Germany catches up and surpasses Great Britain in terms of industrial might. • What do these factors mean for Germany? Factors Promoting Unification • Common Nationality • Napoleon’s Influence – Abolishes Holy Roman Empire • Congress of Vienna – Creates the German Confederation • Zollverein – Economic unity amongst German states 1 Zollverein Factors Prohibiting Unification • German Cleavages in Society – Regional, Religious, Class • Opposition of Austria • Opposition of Lesser German States • Opposition of France 2 Kaiser Wilhelm I Helmut von Moltke Chancellor Otto von Bismarck The “Iron Realpolitik Chancellor” “Blood & Iron” 3 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—that was the mistake of 1848-1849—but by blood and iron. Steps toward Unification • Create Military Power • Eliminate Austria • Establish North German Federation • Franco-Prussian War • Establish German Empire 4 Step #1: Create Military Power • 1862 Prussian liberal majority will not grant funds to Bismarck for him to develop his military. • Bismarck violates Prussian Constitution and from 1862-1867 governs virtually as a dictator, establishing a strong Prussian military. Step #2a: The Danish War [1864] The Peace of Vienna Schlesswig-Holstein Step #2b: Austro-Prussian War [Seven Weeks’ War], 1866 Prussia Austria Bismarck provokes a war with Austria!!! 5 Peace with Austria • Prussia gets control of Schlesswig- Holstein. • Austria cedes Venetia to Italy. • Austria agrees to dissolve the Austrian-dominated German Confederation. Step #3: Creation of the Northern German Confederation, 1867 He then established a new North German Confederation which Prussia could control Peace of Prague Step #4a: Ems Dispatch [1870]: Catalyst for War 1868 revolt in Spain. Spanish leaders wanted Prince Leopold von Hohenz. [a cousin to the Kaiser], as their new king. France protested & his name was withdrawn. The Fr. Ambassador asked the Kaiser at Ems to apologize to Nap. III for supporting Leopold. Bismarck “doctored” the telegram from Wilhelm to the French Ambassador to make it seem as though the Kaiser had insulted Napoleon III. 6 Step #4b: Franco-Prussian War [1870-1871] Bismarck & Napoleon III After Sedan Treaty of Frankfurt [1871] o France ceded Alsace-Lorraine to Germany [a region rich in iron deposits with a flourishing textile industry]. o France paid a huge indemnity and was occupied by German troops until it was paid. o This treaty plants the seeds of World War I. 7 Step #5: Establish German Empire Kaiser Wilhelm I is proclaimed Emperor of the German Empire [1871-1888] German Imperial Flag Otto von Bismarck . I am bored. The great things are done. The German Reich is made. A generation that has taken a beating is always followed by a generation that deals one. Some damned foolish thing in the Balkans will provoke the next war. 8 Question to Consider o According to many historians, the actions of Bismarck paved the way for Hitler’s dictatorship to take place after World War I. Do you agree with this statement? Provide evidence to support your answer. 9.