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German Unification

German Unification. Otto von Bismarck & German Unification. Bell Ringer. What is nationalism? Discuss with Partner 1 minute. Zollverein. Von Metternich - Opposed a united Germany Prussia stepped forward Zollverein: economic union Eliminated tariff barriers among German states

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German Unification

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  1. German Unification Otto von Bismarck & German Unification

  2. Bell Ringer • What is nationalism? Discuss with Partner 1 minute

  3. Zollverein • Von Metternich - Opposed a united Germany • Prussia stepped forward • Zollverein: economic union • Eliminated tariff barriers among German states • Still politically fragmented

  4. Otto von Bismarck • Prussian Junker • Junker = conservative noble class • 1862 – became chancellor under King Wilhelm I • In just under 10 years, Bismarck would unify Germany under Prussian rule

  5. Prussian Power • Recognized importance of strong military • Wanted more money spent on military • Parliament said “no” • Famous “Blood and Iron” speech

  6. Bismarck (cont.) “Germany does not look to Prussia’s liberalism, but to her power…The great questions of the day are not to be decided by speeches and majority resolutions – that was the mistake of 1848 and 1849 – but by blood and iron!”

  7. Blood and Iron Discuss with your partner what you think Bismarck meant by Germany’s power will be determined by “blood and iron.” 2 Minutes

  8. Realpolitik • Strong will • Powerful manipulator • Master of “Realpolitik” – politics of reality • Politics based on practical matters rather than theory or ethics • Often resulted in ruthless decisions

  9. Bismarck’s loyalty • Not a German nationalist • Loyal to the Hohenzollerns – the German royal family

  10. Bismarck’s wars • Schleswig & Holstein • Austro-Prussian War • Franco-Prussian War

  11. 1864: Schleswig & Holstein • Allied w/ Austria • Seized Schleswig & Holstein from Denmark • Split: • Austria – controlled Holstein • Prussia – controlled Schleswig

  12. 1866: Austro-Prussian War • Bismarck invented excuse to attack Austria • Lasted 7 weeks • Major victory for Prussia • Prussia • annexed Holstein and several other German states • Dissolved Austrian gov’t & replaced with dominant Prussian one

  13. 1870: Franco-Prussian War • Growing rivalry between: • France (Napoleon III) • Prussia (Wilhelm I & Bismarck) • Relative of Wilhelm offered Spanish throne • France protested • Bismarck rallies Germans (all Germans)

  14. Realpolitik at work • Had wars with Austria & other territories - Prussia easily won • No harsh terms of peace • Allowed Austria & some other German states to remain independent • Why would he do this?? Discuss with partner 1 minute

  15. Practical Motives • “We had to avoid leaving behind any desire for revenge.” • Otto von Bismarck

  16. Ems Dispatch • Bismarck rewrote & released in the press a telegram • Wilhelm “insulted” French ambassador • Napoleon III (France) declared war on Prussia

  17. “On to Berlin!” • France attacked Prussia • Prussia – military superiority • Easily defeated France • Napoleon III surrendered (taken captive)

  18. Germany Unifies • January 18,1871 • German Confederation made official • Bismarck + 600 German princes, nobles, and generals gathered at Versailles • Wilhelm I of Prussia proclaimed Kaiser of the Second German Empire

  19. France Pays the Cost of Peace • Peace treaty signed May 1871 • France paid $1 billion and had to give up the provinces of Alsace & Lorraine • All that was left were bitter feelings and the desire for revenge…

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