-
Formation of the German Confederation
German Federal Act of 1815 here.At the Congress of Vienna, the Confederation of the Rhine, which Napoleon II had created, was converted into the German Confederation. This was established by the German Federal Act of 1815. This Confederation added Prussia, which would lead German unification, to be in charge.
THIS IS POSITIVE because the German states would connect with eachother. -
Napoleon's Downfall
DocumentsNapoleon was defeated by Prussia and Britain at the Battle of Waterloo (Belgium). During his reign, he united the German states under the Confederation of the Rhine and used them to supply troops and supplies in his campaigns, but afterwards they became independant.
*This is positive because Prussia earned influence over the German states. -
Zollverein
Zollverein Definition
Eighteen German states (not including Austria) formed a customs union called Zollverein, which eliminated tariffs between states and provided economic unity with Prussia as the center.
*This shows nationalism as POSITIVE because it led to unity and increase of industry and power in the German States. -
Otto von Bismark Becomes Prime Minister
Tiny video clip and Description
Bismark became Prussian prime minister under King William I in 1862, and later became known as the founder of the German Empire. He built up Germany's industry and military and unified the German states through reforms, central banking, common currency, war, and "iron and blood".
*This is POSITIVE because of his contributions to Germany. -
"Blood and Iron" Speech
Speech here.Prussian prime minister Otto von Bismark gave a speech to Prussian Parliament about the need to unite Germany under Prussian rule, while rejecting Liberal reforms. He expressed that the only way to do this was through "iron and blood", or strenghtening industry and military.
*This is both negative and positive because although he influenced nationalism and industry, he also rejected democracy. -
Period: to
Danish War
Austrian soldiers during war here. When King Christian IX ruled Denmark and introduced a constitution annexing the duchie Schleswig, which had a primarily German population, to Denmark, both Prussia and Austria were unhappy. They declared war and defeated Denmark, earning Austria the duchie Holstein and Prussia the duchie Schelsiwg.
*This is positive because Prussia gained support and pride throughout the states. -
Period: to
Seven Weeks War
DescriptionPrussian prime minister Bismark decided to isolate Austria from outside help before war by persuading France to stay neutral and allying Italy. Then Prussia provoked Austria into war over a debate about the duchies Schelswig and Holstein starting in June. Seven weeks later, Prussia defeated Austria with modern weaponry.
*This is positive because Prussia gained further influence, power, and territory. -
Ems Telelgram
Both versions.To provoke war between France and Prussia, Prime minister Bismark edited a telegram from King William I to the French ambassador (Regarding Prussian rule over Spain) to look offensive, and then publicized it. France retaliated by declaring war.
*This is positive because the Southern German states refuged in Prussia for safety from France. This helped unify Germany further. -
Period: to
Franco-Prussian War
TroopsCartoonBismark provoked France to declare war on Prussia, and months later, defeated the French. They had to pay a huge fine, be occupied by German troops, and give up Alace and Lorraine. Another benefit was that the Southern states refuged in Prussia to protect them from the French.
*This is positive because the war unified the German states further, mainly the Southern states. -
German Empire Forms
German Empire ConstitutionThe Franco-Prussian War was leading to French defeat and German pride. During a German meeting at the Hall of Mirrors (in Versailles, France), the German states were unified under the German Empire, with Prussian kaiser William I and chancellor Otto Von Bismark in charge.
*This is slightly NEGATIVE because the constitution favored Prussia, and the other German states had no say.
