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William I became king of Prussia
Achieved unification of Germany and the establishment of the empire. Known as somewhat of a neutral person. -
Otto von Bismarck appointed to head the Prussian cabinet
A man who opposed democracy and the idea of a parliament existing. Instead, he believed that the state - not the people - should hold the power. and wanted to expand the country of Prussia. Also a conservative Junker politician, he began to change the Prussian army into a powerful war machine. Bismarck believed that Prussua's destiny was to lead the German people to unification. Also ignored the constitution, outraging liberas and the protests grew.He was later announced as chancellor of German -
Wars of Unification
To increase the power and size of Prussia, Bismarck had to drive out Austria from its leadership position in the German confederation. He also had to have Prussia overcome Austria's influence over the souther states, which opposed the leadership of Prussia. To acomplish these objectives, the country went through three wars. -
The Danish War and the Road to Bismarck's increase in Power
Between Denmark and Germany, two states named Schleswig, whose population was made of Germans and Danes, and Holstein, whose population was made of only Germans, laid inbetween. Danish King, Christian IX, took the throne and proclaimed a new constitution iin which he tried to annex Schleswig for Denmark. Prussia and Austria protested the constitution and demaned that it be revoked. When refused, Prussia and Austria declared war on Denmark. -
Danish War Peace Treaty
After three months of fighting, Denmark surrendered to Prussia and Austria. A peace treaty was created, giving the two duchies to Prussia and Austria jointly. The joint produced conflict betweent the two countires. After bitter quarrel, the leaders decided that Prussia would take control of Schleswig and Austria would control Holstein. -
The Seven Weeks' War
Bismarck formed an alliance with the new nation of Italy. Bismarck then provoked Austira into declaring war on Prussa over the Schleswig and Holstein dispute. Taking advantage of technology, they defeated the Austrains only seven weeks. The treaty of Prague ended the war, dissolving the German Confederation. -
The Franco-Prussian War
Receiving a telegram from King William, Bismarck edited the telegram so that it sounded as though the king had insulted the French ambassador. Reading it, it angered the French that they declared war on Prussia. The southern German states united against the French theat, but no aid came to France. The war was short but decisive. The Prussian army defeated the French in few months and the gov. fell as Napolean 3 surrendered in J1871. France lost Alsace and part of Lorraine, and had to pay money. -
Formation of the German Empire part 1
Representatives of the aliied German states met in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles near Paris. They declared the formation of the German Empire, including all German states except Austria. Prussian capital of Berlin became the empire's capital, and King William I of Prussia was proclaimed the German emperor as Bismarck was named chancellor of the empire. -
Formation of the German Empire part 2
Bismarck accepted a constitution that united the 25 German states in federal form of government. Each state had its own ruler and as well as the right to handle its own domestic matters. The federal gov controlled all common matters, and the emperor , called the Kaiser who had tremendous power, headed the gov.
