Unification of Germany

1. Unification of Germany Steps to Unification The Revolution of 1848 - inspiration The Promise of Reforms – Wilhelm IV The Zollverein – economic unity German Unification – Otto von Bismarck & Realpolitik

2. The “German Question” • 2 Basic Political Concepts to deal with the formation of Germany • “Greater German Solution” – a Germany that would include Austria • “Lesser German Solution” – A Germany without Austria • Which solution would be more nationalistic?

3. The Rise of Prussia • Napoleon’s Restrictions • Limited the size of the Prussian army • Forced to pay large indemnities • Forced to support an occupying army • Contributed soldiers to France • Prussia’s Response • Creative method to create a well-oiled military • Congress of Vienna strengthens Prussia • 2/3 of Saxony • Area along the Rhine River • Part of the newly established German Confederation • (39 separate states including Prussia and Austria)

4. Economic Unification • Need for Reform • Tariffs restricted trade - more costly – sell less • Junkers – lead an economic reform movement – Free Trade • 1818 – King of Prussia abolishes tariffs in Prussian territory • 1820-34 – German States sign trade agreements with each other limiting restrictions • 1834 – Zollverein established as a customs union • Functions • Prices were lower and more uniform • Tariff protection from outside markets • Adopted uniform system of weights and measurements and currency • Lead to increased markets and industrialization • Austria was not a member state

5. Prussia as the Nucleus State • Otto von Bismarck – Prussian Prime Minister for Wilhelm I • Realpolitik – a practical government philosophy with policies based on the interests of Prussia • Germany unity would not be won “ by speeches and majority vote but by blood and iron” • Dismissed parliament and collected taxes • Strong central authority • 2 Major Obstacles towards German Unification • Drive Austria from their leadership in the German Conf. • Overcome Austria’s influence in the southern German States • Bismarck will use war to accomplish his goals

6. 3 Major Wars • Danish War – Denmark tried to annex 2 territories they had ruled for centuries • Schleswig – mix of Germans & Danes • Holstein – entirely German • Bismarck convinced Austria to an Alliance and soundly defeated Denmark • The Treaty of Gastein in 1865 - Austria – Holstein & Prussia – Schleswig • Bismarck again manipulates the outcome for the future

7. Seven Weeks’ War • No one believed Austria could be beaten by Prussia • Bismarck’s diplomacy and trickery • Napoleon III remained neutral thinking it would receive territory on the Rhine • Formed an alliance with the new nation of Italy – would receive Venetia • Bismarck provoked Austria into war – sent troops into Holstein • Treaty of Prague • Dissolved the German Conf. • Austria surrenders Holstein & Venetia • Formation of the North German Confederation • Each state had self government • King of Prussia – hereditary pres. of the Conf. • Prussia dominated the legislature • Bavaria, Baden, Wurttenberg remained outside Prussian influence

8. Franco-Prussian War • Provoke a war with France to unify southern states • 1870 Spain sought a new ruler • Prince Leopold – cousin of King of Prussia • France objects – Napoleon III demand Leopold turn down the offer • France insists on a public pledge that no Hohenzollern would ever be a candidate for the Spanish throne • Ems Telegram – Bismarck manipulates the telegram to show the French humiliating Wilhelm – released to the press • "a red rag to the Gallic bull.” (Bismarck) • When France declared war the southern states united with Prussia • Why did Bismarck treat France more harshly than Austria at the end of the Seven Weeks’ War?

9. Hall of Mirrors On January 18, 1871 the creation of a Unified Germany excluding Austria King William I Bismarck - Chancellor (remained the Prime Minister of Prussia as well)

10. A New Constitution • A federal form of government with an allowance for individual states rights • Had its own ruler • Right to handle their own domestic matters • Education, law enforcement, local taxation • Bavaria unique in its right to control military • Federal Government • National defense, foreign affairs and commerce • Kaiser “Emperor” • Appointed the Chancellor • Commanded the army and navy • Could declare a defensive war on his own • Could declare an offensive war with Bundesrat agreement

11. Bundesrat The upper house 58 appointed members Approved bills from the executive Strongly controlled by autocratic landholders who support the Emperor Reichstag lower house 400 members elected by universal manhood suffrage Limited powers Could approve military budgets once every 7 years No real legislative power A Bicameral Legislature

12. Opposition to Bismarck

13. Kulturkampf • “State within a State” • “Syllabus Errorum” - 1864 • Condemned civil marriage and civil education • Doctrine of Papal Infallibility • Created a rift between Bismarck and the Catholic Center Party • Strong support in south and Alsace & Lorraine

14. Measures Taken • Expelled Jesuits • May Laws • Forbade political expression from the pulpit • Required clergy be German and educated in German schools • Established civil marriage • Broke ties with the Vatican • Confiscated church property • Heinz Kullmann attempts to assassinate the “Iron Chancellor” • Ended in failure by 1887 • “that in fashioning a rod to beat off the pope they were making a scourge for their own backs”(Crankshaw)

15. German Industrialization • Germany prospered under Bismarck’s leadership • How would you compare his economic philosophy to that of Adam Smith (be specific) and how did Bismarck create his greatest opposition in the SDP?

16. Growing Opposition • 1869 -formation of the Social Democratic Party • 1871 - 2 members elected to the Reichstag • 1877 - members reach 12 • 1877 - won 490,000 votes • 2 attempted assassinations against the Kaiser gave him his chance to attack the SDP

17. Measures to limit the SDP • Dissolved the Reichstag and held new elections -- failed • Repressive laws • Newspapers and books prohibited from spreading socialist ideas • Banned socialist political parties • He finally reverses his strategy with some success

18. Concessions • Health Insurance Act - which entitled workers to health insurance; the worker paid two-thirds, and the employer one-third, of the premiums. • Accident insurance was provided • Old Age Pension and disability insurance were established • Other laws restricted the employment of women and children.