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German Nationalism and Unification

German Nationalism and Unification. German Unification. Last major European power to unify By the 19 th century (1800s)  39 independent states – largest = Prussia Smaller states feared domination by Prussia Austrian Empire dominated Germanic states

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German Nationalism and Unification

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  1. German Nationalism and Unification

  2. German Unification Last major European power to unify By the 19th century (1800s)  39 independent states – largest = Prussia Smaller states feared domination by Prussia Austrian Empire dominated Germanic states Austria feared economic competition of a unified Germany Prussia leads to movement for unification

  3. German Unification

  4. Steps Toward Unity 1834 =Zollverein (literally means “Customs Association” created economic union between the German states; reduced trade barriers This strengthened Prussia’s power

  5. Leader of German Unification Otto von Bismarck = Premierminister) = prime minister of Prussia Wanted strong government & army  unification would come through “Blut und Eisen” (Blood & Iron speech) Embraced Realpolitik= right of a country to pursue its own advantages by any means, including war

  6. RealPolitiks • Realistic Politics based on the needs of the state • Whatever actions necessary to achieve his desired goals. • Power more important than principles • “Blood and Iron” Philosophy • He wanted to eliminate Austrian influence and bring about unification on Prussian terms. • Expand Germany’s Economy and Industrial base with use of its resources. • Do not make the same mistakes that were made by the French in 1848-1849.

  7. War Against Denmark • Denmark ruled Schleswig and Holstein = large German populations there • Bismarck formed a temporary alliance with Austria • They won • Prussia got Schleswig • Austria got Holstein • War showed Prussia’s military might • Increased tension between Prussia and Austria

  8. Austro-Prussian War (7 Weeks’ War) • Bismarck formed alliances with Russia, France, and Italy • Prevented them from forming alliances with Austria • Bismarck declared war on Austria • He won • Austria gave Holstein to Prussia • Austria gave Venetia to Italy

  9. Franco-Prussian War • France = a threat to a united Germany • France demanded some territory from Prussia as compensation for their alliance in the last war • Bismarck declared war on France • He won • Prussia gained the French territory of Alsace-Lorraine = major industrial site (major significance for the future….)

  10. Alsace-Lorraine

  11. Unified Germany Unified in 1871 1stKaiser (emperor) = Wilhelm I Bismarck = Reichskanzler (Imperial chancellor)

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