-
The Creation of the German Confederation
Napoleon annexed lands along the Rhine river and he made the emperor of Austria a king. The German Federation was a weak alliance headed by Austria created by this. -
Bismark Rises to power
In 1862 King William I made Otto von Bismark chancellor of Prussia. He had a policiy of blood and iron, and also used Realpolitik, a way of mkaing laws based on the needs of the state. -
Danish War
Prussia allies with Austria and defeats Denmark. Prussia takes Schleswig, and Austria gains Holstein. -
Seven Weeks War
A war between Prussia and Austria. Prussia wins, resulting in the Treaty of Prague, the removal of the German Confederation, multiple states being annexed into Prussia, and the North German Confederation being formeed. -
Franko-Prussian War
The Prussian victory over Austria angered Napoleon III. Bismark made it seem like William I had insulted the frenchmen as an excuse to start a war with France. WIthin a few weeks, the unprepared French surrended. -
Formation of the German Empire
All German states were included except Austria. Bismark was made chancellor, and King William I was made Kaiser, or emperor of the newly founded Germany. Nationalists celebrated the birth of the second Reich. Bismark created a two-house legislature, but the real power remained with the emperor.
