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In the early 1800s, Germans lived in many small to medium sized states (as well as in Prussia and the Austrian Hapsburg empire). Napoleon's invasions unleashed new forces in these territories.

  • 1807-1812: Napoleon makes important territorial changes in German-speaking lands
  • Annexes lands along Rhine River for France
  • Dissolves Holy Roman Empire and organizes a number of German states into the Rhine Confederation
  • Napoleon:
  • encouraged freeing the serfs
  • made trade easier
  • abolished laws against Jews

However, some Germans did not support Napoleon or his changes. Freeing their lands from French rule, they demanded a unified German state.

To unite Germany, the peacemakers created the German Confederation, a weak alliance headed by Russia.

Prussian Leadership

The Zollverein was a Prussian economic union that dismantled tariff barriers between many German states.

In a Frankfurt assembly in 1848, liberals demanded German political unity in exchange for the throne of a united Germane state to Frederick William IV of Prussia, but they were rejected.

Master of Realpolitik

Otto Von Bismarck was a master of Realpolitik, realistic policies based on the needs of the state.

He was made chancellor, or prime minister, by King William I in 1862. Bismarck was finally able to unite the German states under Prussian rule after a decade.

However, Bismarck's loyalty secretly lay with the Hohenzollerns, the ruling dynasty of Prussia. He hoped to bring more power to these people through the unification of Germany.

Strengthening the Army

Bismarck needed money in order to build up an army.

In order to get this money, he gave a "blood and iron" speech, but the liberal legislature refused to vote funds for the military.

In response, Bismarck obtained money to fund the army from other purposes.

With his army, Bismarck led Prussia into three wars within the next decade, each war increasing Prussian power and uniting Germany.

Wars With Denmark and Austria

Bismarck formed an alliance with Austria in 1864.

Together, Prussia and Austria seized Schleswig and Holstein in Denmark.

However, Bismarck then made an excuse to attack Austria. The Austro-Prussian War lasted seven weeks, resulting in a Prussian victory. The Prussians annexed, or took control of, several other north German states.

He dissolved the German Confederation and created a new confederation dominated by Prussia. He allowed Prussia, Austria, and four other southern German states to remain independent to rid any desires of revenge.

The Franco-Prussian War

Because Napoleon III was worried about Prussia's growing power, a rivalry arose. This led to the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.

Neither country tried to avoid war; each both tried to provoke the other.

Bismarck wrote and released to the press a telegram that reported on a meeting between King William I and the French ambassador. Bismarck's editing of this telegram infuriated Napoleon III, who declared war in response.

The war only lasted a few weeks, as Prussia's superior forces (supported by troops from other German states) destroyed the French soldiers. Prussia had an easy victory.

The German Empire

January 1871

The German nation celebrated the birth of the Second Reich.

Reich

The Second Reich was thought to be the heir to The Holy Roman Empire.

Constitution

A constitution was drafted by Bismarck. This set up a two house legislature. The Bundesrat was the upper house and they were elected by the rulers of the German states. The Reichstag was the lower house, they were elected by universal male suffrage.

Funnel of Ideas

=

An economically, socially, and politically equal

Germany

Timeline of Section 1

1807

1812

Napoleon makes important territorial changes in German speaking lands. He starts the Rhine Confederation.

1830

Prussia creates an economic union called the Zollverein. This dismantles tarriff barriers between states.

1848

Liberals meeting in the Frankfurt Assembly demand political unity. William IV rejects the throne of a united Germany.

1862

Bismarck delivers his "Blood and Iron" speech. This solidifies his views on his upcoming polocies.

King William I makes Bismarck chancellor of Gemany.

1864

Bismarck's first idea as prime minister is to form an alliance with Austria.

Bismarck makes an excuse to attack Austria. The Austro -Prussian War lasts just seven weeks.

1870

The Franco-Prussian War begins.

1871

The German nation celebrates the birth of the Second Reich.

Steps Toward Unity

Prussian Leadership

+

Napoleon's ideas and conquests

Impact of Napoleon

+

New

Land

Bismarck and German Unity

Chapter 22 Section 1

World History

1866

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