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German Confederation
Formed by the Congress of Vienna, this organization of 39 German countries may have developed German nationalism in its early stages. -
Hambach Festival
30,000 liberals attended this political demonstration which celebrated common German culture. This encouraged feelings of nationalism by bringing the German people together.
The festival -
First revolutions
Unsatisfied with being split into monarchies, several german states demanded constitutions and revolted soon afterwards. -
Frederick William IV's death
When the Prussian king died, his brother, William I, took the throne. William I would be the King, then Emperor, that would inspire nationalism and unity in the Germans. -
Austro-Prussian War
Prussia's victory over Austria was more of a firm repremand than a serious blow to the nation's well-being. Bismarck knew that he needed Austria to be at least a little cooperative in the future. He hoped that Austria would preserve its sense of dedication to the Germans as a whole.
Helmuth von Moltke explaining the neccesity of the war, and Bismarck explaining why he needed to be gentle -
Franco-Prussian War
This decisive victory over the French Empire (which soon became the French Republic) also formed the German Empire. This resulted in a much stronger, more nationalistic atmosphere.
The war -
Kulturkampf
Bismarck's seemingly pointless battle against the church may have weakened the peoples' loyalty to their nation.
Kulturkampf -
African colonies
As one of several proud, enterprizing nations, Germany colonized Africa, if only a small part of it. This may have encouraged feelings of nationalism in the mainland. -
William I's death
After a brief illness, William I died in Berlin. His son, Freidrich III, only ruled for 99 days before dying. Freidrich's son, William II, took the throne. William II was ambitious, and he hoped to expand upon his country's military interests while strengthening nationalism.
<a
href='http://www.dhm.de/lemo/html/biografien/WilhelmI/index.html' >His death</a> -
Bismarck's Resignation
William II never got along well with Bismarck, and wanted to run the country in his own way. Bismarck wanted to hold the power for himself, as he didn't trust William II to be a wise or effective ruler. After the last of many arguments, Bismarck resigned from office. This left many people unsure of Germany's future without the man who brought it together.
His resignation
