Section Two:  German Unification

Introduction: mid-1800s Germany independent states

I.  Factors which encouraged unification

       A.  a common language and culture

       B.  German confederation

       C.  In 1834, the Zollverein or customs union removed tariffs

             on trade between the German states     

II.  Revolution in Prussia

A.  In 1848 revolt in Prussia, King Frederick Wilhelm IV

      promised constitutional reforms; he went back on his

      promises; banned groups that supported democracy

III.  Bismarck’s Plan for Germany

       A.  1862 Wilhelm I, King of Prussia; chose OttoVon

             Bismarck as prime minister

       B.  Bismarck opposed democracy; Prussia would

             lead German unification

              1.   believed in realpolitik, government should do what

                    is practical rather than idealistic

       C.  Bismarck said German unity would not be won by vote,

             but by “blood and iron” 

              1.  he built Army in defiance of parliament which he

                   dismissed.  Determined to unify by war

      D.  The disagreement over Schleswig and Holstein gave                 Prussia a reason to start a war with Denmark.  Prussia won territory 

       E.  The Austro-Prussian War:  Prussia won; treaty united the

             northern German states  

       F.  The Franco Prussian War:  Prussia won;  Treaty

             established a German Empire;  Wilhelm I, first Kaiser, or

             emperor;  Bismarck 1st chancellor

 

       G.  Government took a federal form (power is shared

             between state and national)

              1.   voting rights given, but government restrictions made

                    system undemocratic   

                     a.  Political parties developed in opposition

       H.  The Kulturkampf or “struggle for culture”  

             Bismarck’s effort to limit the power of the Catholic

             Church  

       I.  Bismarck tried to destroy Socialism, passed some reforms

            to keep socialist from getting too strong

       J.  1888 Wilhelm II came to the throne and dismissed

             Bismarck as prime minister


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