Transcript File - LHS Social Studies

Nationalism and the Spread of Democracy (1790–1914)
Lesson 3 The Unification of Germany
Nationalism and the Spread of Democracy (1790–1914)
Lesson 3 The Unification of Germany
Learning Objectives
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Identify the factors that promoted German nationalism.
Analyze how Bismarck achieved German unification.
Describe the German empire under Bismarck.
Explain the policies of Kaiser William II.
Nationalism and the Spread of Democracy (1790–1914)
Lesson 3 The Unification of Germany
Key Terms
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Otto von Bismarck
chancellor,
Realpolitik
annexed,
kaiser
Reich,
Kulturkampf
William II
social welfare,
Moving Toward a Unified Germany
In the early 1800s, German-speaking people lived in a number of small and medium-sized
states, as well as in Prussia and the Austrian Hapsburg empire. Napoleon’s invasions
unleashed new forces in these lands, especially a sense of German nationalism. Early
efforts to unify Germany failed, but by 1862 a strong-willed Prussian official, Otto von
Bismarck, set out to build a strong, unified German state.
Moving Toward a Unified Germany
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Impact of Napoleonic Invasions
New Efforts to Bring Unity
Moving Toward a Unified Germany
Napoleon rides triumphantly into Berlin. French rule inspired German nationalism and demands for a
unified German state.
Bismarck Becomes the Architect of German Unity
Where others had failed in uniting Germany, Otto von Bismarck succeeded. Bismarck
came from Prussia’s Junker (YOONG kur) class, made up of conservative landowning
nobles. Bismarck first served Prussia as a diplomat in Russia and France, and then as
prime minister to King William I. In 1871, he became chancellor, or the highest official, of
a united Germany.
Bismarck Becomes the Architect of German Unity
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Blood and Iron
Master of Realpolitik
A Powerful Military
War with Denmark and Austria
The Franco-Prussian War
The German Empire Is Created
Bismarck Becomes the Architect of German Unity
Analyze Maps By 1871, Germany had been unified. In what year was the North German Confederation
formed?
Bismarck Becomes the Architect of German Unity
King William I (second from right) and his chancellor, Otto von Bismarck (far right), emphasized
militarism as a way to build Prussian power.
Bismarck Becomes the Architect of German Unity
Analyze Charts The newly created German empire, also called the Second Reich, had a constitution and
a two-house legislature. How did the emperor and chancellor retain power in the new German
government?
Germany Becomes an Industrial Giant
In January 1871, German princes gathered in the glittering Hall of Mirrors at the French
palace of Versailles. They had just defeated Napoleon III in the Franco-Prussian War. Once
home to French kings, the palace seemed the perfect place to proclaim the new German
empire. To the winners as well as to the losers, the symbolism was clear: French
domination of Europe had ended. Germany was now the dominant power in Europe.
Germany Becomes an Industrial Giant
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Economic Progress
Promoting Economic Growth
Germany Becomes an Industrial Giant
A disciplined workforce helped to transform Germany into Europe’s industrial giant. Workers process
natural rubber in a German factory.
The Iron Chancellor
As chancellor of the new German empire, Bismarck pursued several foreign-policy goals.
He wanted to keep France weak and isolated while building strong links with Austria and
Russia. He respected British naval power but did not seek to compete in that arena.
“Water rats,” he said, “do not fight with land rats.” Later, however, he would take a more
aggressive stand against Britain as the two nations competed for overseas colonies.
The Iron Chancellor
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Bismarck Challenges the Catholic Church
Bismarck Attacks the Socialists
Bismarck Changes Course
The Iron Chancellor
Bismarck was a leader in international affairs, using a mix of force and diplomacy to further German
interests. Bismarck (center) at the 1878 Congress of Berlin.
Kaiser William II
In 1888, William II succeeded his grandfather as kaiser. The new emperor, supremely
confident, wished to put his own stamp on Germany. In 1890, he shocked Europe by
asking the dominating Bismarck to resign. “There is only one master in the Reich,” he said,
“and that is I.” William II seriously believed that his right to rule came from God.
Kaiser William II
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Social Welfare
Strengthening the Military
Kaiser William II
Otto von Bismarck leaves his Berlin office in 1890 after Kaiser William II forced him to resign as
chancellor.
Quiz: Moving Toward a Unified Germany
What was the German Confederation?
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B.
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D.
A weak alliance of German states headed by Austria
The unification of the German states into one nation
The unification of German states under Napoleon
The annexation by France of German lands along the Rhine River
Quiz: Bismarck Becomes the Architect of German Unity
Why was the Prussian army a superior force?
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The Prussian army was made up of farmers.
Bismarck spent a lot of money to build up a strong Prussian army.
The Prussian army developed superior weapons technology.
Bismarck was a skilled military leader.
Quiz: Germany Becomes an Industrial Giant
Why do you think Germany was committed to maintaining its economic strength?
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A strong economy promotes revolution.
A strong economy discourages population growth.
A strong economy contributes to political stability.
A strong economy leads to political changes.
Quiz: The Iron Chancellor
Why did Bismarck try to limit the influence of the Catholic Church and socialists?
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He felt they drew people’s allegiance away from the German state.
He felt they had the financial means to support an uprising.
He felt they had too many religious ideas.
He worried they would join forces.
Quiz: Kaiser William II
Which sentence below supports the conclusion that William II was a German nationalist?
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B.
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He launched a campaign to expand the navy and the German empire overseas.
He believed his right to rule came from God.
He wanted to form a European union.
He resisted efforts to introduce democratic reform.