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-Frederik VII claims Schleswig-Holstein
-Schleswig-Holstein appeal to the Frankfurt Parliament for aid -
-The Frankfurt Parliament tries to draft a constitution for a unified Germany, but the political opinion is too split
- Liberals want a Constitutional Monarchy
- Radicals want a Republic with universal male suffrage -
-Violent fighting during the "March Days"
-King Frederik William IV makes concessions to the liberals:
-more liberal cabinet
-releases imprisoned liberals
-authorises the Civil Guard
-Say "Prussia is henceforth merged with Germany" -
Britain and Russia state position against Prussian occupation of Schleswig-Holstein and Britain threatens to get involved in the Baltic
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Prussia pull of out Schleswig-Holstein to avoid antagonising Britain and Russia (also to avoid helping the Liberals in the Frankfurt Parliament)
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Nationalist von Gagern becomes president of Frankfurt Parliament
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The Frankfurt Parliament finally decides on the "Kleindeutsch" (Smaller Germany) policy without Austria and only with German States (not Hungary etc.)
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The Declaration of the Rights of the German People
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-King Frederik IV of Prussia rejects the Constitution that called for a united Germany under Prussian Kaiser with a bicameral Parliament
-It was too associated with the Revolutionaries
-It was not put forward by powerful people- will not accept "crown from gutter" -
The Frankfurt Parliament was forcefully dispersed
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-Schleswig-Holstein are under Denmark's authority, but not a part of Denmark
-Denmark not allowed to absorb the twin Duchies -
Prussia declares neutrality in the Crimean War (vaguely supports the Anti-Russian Austria)
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Bismarck states that he resents the Metternich System because it purposely makes Prussia inferior to Austria
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-Christian IX of Denmark claims Schleswig-Holstein
-Prussia declares war on Denmark
-Austria joins in to "look good" to the German population -
- Prussian-Danish war ends - Prussia get Schleswig - Austria gets Holstein
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Theirs (French Prime Minister) states that he is against German unification because it will mean the loss of French dominance on the continent
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Bismarck declares the reorganisation of the German confederation with out Austria
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Decisive victory for the Prussians in the Battle of Sadowa, lead by von Molkte
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Theirs says that it was not only Austria but France that lost the Battle of Sadowa
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- von Moltke wants to invade Austria -Bismarck does not because he wants a quick peace with them so he can win their support in fighting France
-If Piedmont joins Prussia in war against Austria and win, they will get Venetia Military alliance with France
-France will get Venetia if they stay neutral in the war with Austria -
- Austria gives up political influence in Schleswig-Holstein
- A non-punitive peace as Bismarck wants no hostility
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The Habsburg Empire becomes the dual monarchy, Austria-Hungary
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German Prince Leopold runs for the Spanish Crown
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France is upset by a German on the Spanish throne- feels "surrounded" by Germans
-The Crown Prince- Later Kaiser William II- has Prince Leopold turn down the throne -
The French demand a public statement from Prussia not to offer a Prussian again for a foreign crown
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William I rejects the French demand
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Bismarck published Ems telegram
- A rewording of the Kaisers response in such a way that is extremely rude. The Ems telegram is purposely published on the anniversary of Bastille Day to insult the French and provoke them into declaring war -
France declares war on Prussia
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Shows the over-confidence of the French as they did not even bother to dig defensive trenches and consequently lost.
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A disastrous defeat for the French who were trapped, after having taken a valley, by mass artillery fire from the Prussians on the surrounding highlands. This battle demonstrates the Prussian superiority in military technology and shows that the French tactics are thus outdated.
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The siege of paris
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The Second Reich is declared at Versailles
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- High war indemnity
- Germans hold victory parade down Champs-Élysées
- All of Alsace and half of Lorraine given to Germany
- Germany to occupy Northern France until reparations are paid off
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Victory parade down Champs-Élysées
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Germany, Austria-Hungary and Russia
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According to the Russians, Bismarck "stabs them in the back" by making them give up territory gained in the 1877-1878 Russo-Turkish War The League of Three Emperors falls apart
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Austria-Hungary becomes Germany's first military ally
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Italy allies with Germany and Austria-Hungary
A continuation of of Bismarck's foreign policy of isolating France, which is even more important now after France and Germany have become sworn enemies -
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- Brings Russia closer to Germany in exchange for getting support in Russo-Austrian squabbles over the Balkans
- Isolates France
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England again rejects the offer of an Anglo-German alliance
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Bismarck resigns Kaiser William II rejects renewal of Reinsurance Treaty
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