German Unification

By Olivia_Lynn

  • Creation

    The Congress of Vienna creates the German Confederation

  • Prussian Customs Union

    The Prussian Customs Union is created, abolishing internal tariffs in Prussia and allowing her to develop her economy.

  • Carlsbad Decrees

    Carlsbad Decrees – a laws used by Metternich to restrict press and University freedoms, stopping spread of nationalist ideas.

  • Zollverein is Created

    Zollverein created – a customs union of German states (not including Austria) that eventually allowed Prussia to dominate the German states economically. Started with 18 states.

  • Improvements

    The Zollverein now includes 25 states (26 million people).

  • Failures

    Food prices and unemployment increase due to crop failures.

  • Riots

    March 13th – Metternich forced to resign in Austria.
    March – Riots in Berlin.
    May – Frankfurt Parliament begins – 596 liberals elected from the German Confederation meet to plan a constitution for a unified Germany.

  • Crowning

    Wilhelm I becomes King of Prussia.

  • War Begins

    Austria and Prussia go to war together against Denmark.

  • The War Comes to End

    Jan 18th – German Empire declared in Palace of Versailles – Germany created, Wilhelm I is Kaiser, and Bismarck is Chancellor.
    Jan 28th – France signs an Armistice ending the war.
    May – Treaty of Frankfurt.