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Napoleon Makes the Confederation of the Rhine
This was made in the absence of the the Holy Roman Empire and gave Napoleon military control over the German states. -
Congress of Vienna and Forming of German Confederation
After Napoleon's final defeat, the Congress of Vienna met to decide the plans of Europe. The German Confederation, consisting of 38 German states,was formed during this meeting. Their goal was to get the different states economies' all on the right track, and they replaced the Holy Roman Empire. After months of discussion, the Congress of Vienna ended in June of 1815. -
Karlsbad Decrees
Klemens von Metternich of Austria created the Karlsbad Decrees to repress the Enlightenment's affect on people in Germany by limiting their freedom of speech and regulating education in Germany. -
First Railroad in the Country
Germany's first railroad symbolized Germany getting more involved in business and trade, which made the economy and the country as a whole more powerful and resourceful. -
Seven Weeks' War
This was a short war between Prussia and Austria which resulted in Prussia replacing Austria's control over the German Confederation. It was fueled by a territorial dispute with Denmark that left Prussia and Austria with land that they both wanted. It lasted from June to August in 1866. -
Bismarck Becoming Chancellor
Prior to becoming Germany's first chancellor, in 1862 to 1873, Otto von Bismarck was the prime minister of Prussia. In 1871, Bismarck became the Chancellor of Germany and played a major part in Germany's imperialism. -
The Dual Alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary
This alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary that was formed by treaty was very important to both countries because they were agreeing to be allies in the event of a war with Russia and that they would stay neutral if another European power tried to attack. Otto von Bismarck liked this alliance because he knew Russia would not attack both countries and the treaty would most likely keep Germany at peace. -
The Triple Alliance Between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy
This was another secret agreement by these countries to assist Italy if it were attacked by France, and Italy would assist Germany if they were attacked by France. Italy would also stay neutral if a war was ever to break out between Russia and Austria-Hungary. It gave all of the countries protection and was a very important treaty of the time. -
Creation of Sickness Law
These laws, created by Otto von Bismarck, were created to help those who were sick and could not be at their job. They would make 50% of their prior wages for the first four weeks that they were absent from their job. After the fifth week, they would receive 66.7% of their prior earnings and some who were completely disabled could make up to 100% of their earnings they would have made at their job. This was financed by the workers and their employees. -
Chancellor Retires
Otto von Bismarck gave up his position as chancellor after making many reforms to appease liberal protesters without fully giving in to their ideas.
