Transcript The unification of germany

Otto Von Bismarck
and the
Dominance of Prussia






Germany had existed in concept
for hundreds of years
The people of Central Europe
shared similar Language and
Culture
Since the Middle Ages, Germany
was loosely joined in the “Holy
Roman Empire”
However, the different
independent states which made up
Germany each acted autonomously
Austria is a perfect example
1. Austria is German in Culture
and Language
2. Austria was part of the Holy
Roman Empire
3. Austria was the head of its own
Multi-National Empire
Is Austria part of Germany?





Since the Renaissance, a few
small pure-German states had
become powerful enough to
participate in European
politics
Prussia was the greatest
example
However, most of Germany
was led by petty princes and
was constantly under threat
Germany, being in the middle
of Europe, was also used as a
battlefield in most of the major
conflicts
Before Napoleon, Germany
consisted of over 300 separate
states





Napoleon had massive
influence in Germany
He destroyed the Holy
Roman Empire
He re-organized
Germany into 32 separate
states (from 300)
He brought in modern
concepts economic and
political concepts
He inspired the people
with the promise of
Nationalism



Germany was unlike any
other region in Europe – it
is huge . . . in terms of
land, population and
economic potential
If these people joined
together, they would
become the most powerful
nation in Europe – maybe
the world
This is pretty scary since
these people have been
stepped on and abused by
every European power for
centuries





Austria was in an awkward spot –
many Germans expected them to
take the lead in forming the new
nation
However, Austria was more
concerned with it’s own empire –
which they would lose if they tried
to lead Germany
Instead, they choose to crush
German nationalism, fearing it the
country would form without them
They could not allow Germany to
form because they would lose their
spot as the most powerful nation in
central Europe and perhaps cause
the downfall of the Austrian
Empire
This is why Metternich takes such
a lead role at the Congress of
Vienna







Otto Von Bismarck
The Prime Minister of Prussia
Loved Prussia but realized that
Germany would be formed one day.
Therefore, if Germany was to be,
Prussia should lead it.
Bismarck was the perfect example of
Realpolitik. He was one of the most
devious, unprincipled and power
hungry people in History.
Bismarck famous quote was “The
issues of the day will be solved by
Blood and Iron”
Therefore, Germany would be formed
through war and death not through
talk.






Bismarck’s strategy was simple: he
would take advantage of Germany’s
national fear (the need for
protection).
He would draw the German states
to him through demonstrations of
Military dominance
He set out to create the most modern
and disciplined military in the entire
world
When he feels strong enough he
builds an alliance with Austria and
picks a fight with Denmark (1864)
With Austrian help, the Prussians
destroy the Danish military
Prussia and Austria take SchleswigHolstein from Denmark






War #2: Prussia vs. Austria
Bismarck knew that in order to move
forward with his plans, he needed to
demonstrate that Prussia was stronger
than Austria
Austria and Prussia both wanted war to
settle the German issue and started
fighting over a minor problem
Prussia easily defeated Austria by
using new technology (the Train, heavy
Artillery, and the Needle gun)
However, Bismarck still did not have
the support of all the German States
Italy took advantage of Austria’s
position and took Venetia




Prussia’s defeat of Austria
was stunning
Prussia was a middle
power – Austria was
traditionally a great power
Prussian generals (as per
their custom) demanded
that they be allowed to
Parade through Vienna
(Austria’s Capital)
What did Bismarck tell
them?







The Spanish throne was Vacant
The throne was offered to a German Prince – a
Hohenzollern (the same Royal family as Prussia)
France (under Louis Napoleon) didn’t want a
possible alliance between Prussia and Spain
The Hohenzollern prince was forced to back off
But France wanted more . . . they demanded that
King Wilhelm of Prussia forever promise to stop
anyone from his family from taking the Spanish
throne
In a meeting between King Wilhelm and the
French Ambassador, the King politely refused
The incident should have stopped here!


To Bismarck, this was
the situation he had
been waiting his entire
life for?
Can anyone see what
Bismarck saw?

With the Kings permission he published an account of the meeting
and gave it to the press
In his account, he made it sound like the meeting was very
confrontational
In was designed to insult both Prussians and the French
The reaction was perfect – The French were insulted and declared
war
The Prussians declared themselves to be victims of French
aggression – another example of a great power bullying a German
state
Bismarck turned to other German states and begged them for help
– German people, sick of this treatment from the rest of Europe –
especially France – rallied to Prussia defence
Bismarck’s note is now know as the Ems Dispatch

What happens next?













The French Invaded lands in 1870.
The well disciplined, technically advanced and motivated Prussian Army –
supported by several German states – met them in fierce battle
The shocking result – Prussia wins decisively!
With Prussia’s defeat of France – it established itself as a major world power
The small German states recognize Bismarck’s genius and Prussia’s leadership
In 1871, King Wilhelm of Prussia dissolves his monarchy and accepts a new crown
– Kaiser Wilhelm of the German Empire
The Ceremony is held in the Palace of Versailles!
P.S.
Italy seizes the opportunity and takes an
unprotected Rome from the Pope
Thanks again Germany!





Prussia was able to defeat France
The Combined strength of every German state
– organized under Prussian Militarism – was
now clearly the most powerful nation in the
world
All of Europe was terrified over what would
happen next
This was Bismarck’s Genius – he knew when to
stop!
He would build a new peace in Europe






France – they would always be an enemy –
Bismarck attempted to politically isolate
them
England – they cared little for European
politics. As long as there was Peace and no
threats to there colonies or Naval Power,
they were content. Bismarck kept friendly
ties with England and actively traded with
them. He also refused to build large naval
vessels or seek out colonies.
Austria – by refusing to march through
Vienna, Bismarck had the opportunity to
repair the relationship – he offered
Germany’s service to Austria in their
growing conflict with Russia (The Eastern
Question)
Russia – he offered Germany’s service to
Russia in their growing conflict with Austria
Everybody was happy – except France
Bismarck’s peace lasted for years



Bismarck was forced out in
1890
The new Kaiser was young
and energetic – he had
visions for Germany that
differed from Bismarck’s
How long would the peace
last without someone
careful holding it together?