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Napoleonic Era Lasts For 16 Years
Secondary Source
The Napoleonic Era marks the beginning of Nationalism in Europe, especially in Germany. While under the rule of Napolean the German states were somewhat unified under the Confederation of the Rhine, and while under French rule, Germans started to value thier culture more since they were controlled by French. Nationalism had ignited in Germany. -
German Confederation Formed, Prussia Gains Power
Visual Source The Congress of Vienna gave a large amount of land and power since it was one of the four major powers. The growing power of Prussia paved the way for future events, and the formal unification of many of the German states created and even stronger sense of nationalism and pride after the Napoleonic era, since now the states were recognized as a unified Confederation. -
Zollverein Established
Secondary Source The formation of the Zollverein allowed for the almost total economic unification and standardization of the German Economy. With the states of the German now more dependent on each other due to a more uniform economy, the Germans now had a sense of nationalistic pride amognst each other and thier imports and exports. -
Revolutions of 1848
Visual Source
With strong nationalistic and democratic movements emerging in the German states, revolutions broke out for liberal reforms in 1848. After they were over a constitution was drafted by the National Assembly which tried to unify Germany and set up an Absolutist government led by a Kind and Chancellor. The Germans' sense of Nationalism grew even more now that there was a single government. -
Danish, Seven Weeks', and Franco-Prussian Wars
Primary Source
The three wars fought by Prussia only further increased the nationalist sense and unification of Germany. By expanding the the size and power of Prussia Bismarck drove out Austrian position in the German confederation and allowed Prussia the ability to have total control over a near unified Germany. Without Austria vying for control Prussia was able to create a homogeneous nation that was more unified nd nationalistic -
Formation of German Empire
Primary Source
With all the German states but Austria now formally recognized by the other European countries, Germany was now able to set up a single unified government and costitution for the German states. Nationalism grew yet again in the German states since they were now a single empire under one rule. The development of the country was now able to be started since the foundation of the empire had been set. -
Social Democratic Party
Secondary Source
With the introduction of the Socialist Democratic Party and the power that it obtained during the 1877 elections, it was clear that the people of the German Empire were not only more unified in their goals, but that they also all wanted to imrove the conditions and government of the Empire for the betterment of the people. -
Industrialization of Germany
Visual Source
With the industrialization of Germany, the country was able to develop and expand much more quickly than other European nations such as France and the UK. The idustrialization further developed the country but also led to working class problems such as poverty. However, it united the working class to cause them to fight for social reforms, further increasing Nationalism throughout Germany. -
Social Reforms
Secondary (Choice) Source
With the Social Democratic Party gaining power, the socialist reforms passed by Otto von Bismarck starting in the 1880's further united the country, especially the socialists, as the people gained more power and united towards a more unified and complete Germany because of their sense of betterment for the country through nationalism. -
The Resignation of Bismarck
Primary Source
With the Resignation of Bismarck, the people of Germany were no longer under the "Iron and Blood" autocracy of him, and they were free to increase the power of socialist party in the country and to spread German nationalism. William II was now also able to expand Germany's nationalism and influence throughout the world.
