Unification of Germany

Birth of Otto von Bismarck

Apr 1, 1815

Otto von Bismarck was born in Schönhausen to a wealthy family.

Zollverein established

Mar 21, 1834

The German customs union used to stimulate trade and increase the revenues of member states. Did not include Austria.

Political Stalemate

Mar 21, 1848

Russia and Austria prevent Frederick William from uniting German states "from above". Tensions grew as Austria and Prussia sought to block each other within the German Conferderation.

Prussia gains a parliament

Mar 21, 1848

All German states join Zollverein except Austria

Mar 22, 1853

Austria's exclusion from the Zollverein would be crucial to the Austro-Prussian rivarly. The Zollverein's tariffs were too low, so Austria could not bear to join.

Italian uprising that inspired Germany

Mar 21, 1859

Inspired Prussia to induce political change and war refignment

Middle class takes over Parliament

Mar 21, 1859

Middle class wanted a more mitileristic society. Wanted parliament to have full athority over the military.

William I became King of Prussia

Jan 2, 1861

Frederick William died, so William I took the throne.

Bismarck takes office as Prime Minister

Sep 23, 1862

Wilhelm I was persuaded to recall von Bismarck to Prussia, and on September 23, 1862, von Bismarck was appointed Prime Minister of Prussia.

Prussia and Austria team up against the Danish

Mar 21, 1864

Austro-Prussian War Begins

Jun 14, 1866

The Austro-Prussian War, also known as the Seven Weeks' War, began on June 14, 1866. It ended on August 23, 1866. It was fought in 1866 between the German Confederation under the leadership of the Austrian Empire and its German allies on one side and the Kingdom of Prussia with its German allies and Italy on the other.

Franco-Prussian War begins

Jul 19, 1870

Bismark began the patriotic war with France to force the south German states into his arms.

New German Empire

May 10, 1871

German Empire became a federal union of Prussia and 24 smaller states. Everyday business conducted by states, but there was a stong national government with a chancellor.

End Franco-Prussian War

May 10, 1871

Southern German states have agreed to join the German Empire. Bismarck and the German Empire imposed a harsh peace on France. Increase in patriotic feeling in Germany.

William II becomes the German Emperor

Jun 15, 1888

Young, idealistic, and unstable. Eagar to rule in his own right.

William II forced Bismarck to resign

Mar 21, 1890

William II opposed Bismarck's attempt to renew the law outlawing the Social Democratic Party. He wanted to rule on his own. German foreign policy changed for the worst.

Bismarck dies

Dec 31, 1898

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