Bismarck:
Three Wars,
One Germany
Mr. Meester
AP European History
Early German Unity
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After 1815, the Confederation of the Rhine was
replaced with the German Confederation.
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Prussia gained territory in Saxony and along the
Rhine.
The new government was well-organized and
efficient, with a strong economy.
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The population contained some minorities, but the
vast majority of people were of Germanic origin.
Economic Unification
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German unification started economically.
1831, the Junkers (aristocratic landowners)
convinced the king to abolish tariffs.
1832 several German states established a
customs union called the Zollverein.
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Abolished tariffs in all territories.
The Zollverein benefited members by making
prices lower and more uniform.
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It provided the German states with a large variety of
products at lower prices,
Otto von Bismarck
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Bismarck was a Junker.
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His loyalty was to Prussia;
he was not a nationalist,
and hated liberalism.
1862, William IV made
Bismarck prime minister
of the cabinet.
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Bismarck believed it was
the destiny of the Prussian
people to unify the German
states.
More Money, More Army
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Bismarck was a realpolitik
Bismarck was virtually the ruler of Prussia
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Had the cooperation & trust of the king
Had support of the top generals: Melmuth von
Moltke & Albrecht von Roon.
They agreed that it was necessary to
reorganize & strengthen the Prussian army.
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First more money would be needed.
Parliament Resists
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The Prussian parliament refused to raise taxes
for a military expansion
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Bismarck dismissed the Parliament
Collected taxes without their authorization.
His plan was to stop any criticism with military
victories.
Bismarck proceeded to make the Prussian army
a great war machine.
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Breechloading rifles
Army became it the most efficient in Europe.
Military plans to combat any future invasions.
The Problem of Austria
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Bismarck had to overcome Austria to
increase the power and size of Prussia.
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Austria has a position of authority in the German
Confederation
Austria greatly influenced the southern German
states.
Bismarck went at these objectives carefully.
Instead of attacking Austria directly, he chose
a roundabout way
The Danish War
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The duchies of Schleswig and Holstein lie
between Denmark and Prussia.
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1863, Denmark tried to annex these duchies.
Both Prussia and Austria protested.
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Most of the inhabitants were German
Denmark continued and war was declared.
Denmark had hoped for aid from France and Britain
In three months, Denmark was defeated.
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Prussia administered Schleswig
Austria administered Holstein.
Bismarck Prepares
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Bismarck was now ready to drive Austria out
of the German Confederation.
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Persuaded Napoleon III to remain neutral if war
developed between Prussia and Austria.
Form an alliance with the new nation of Italy.
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In return for fighting, Italy would receive the Austria
territory of Venetia.
By various complicated moves, Bismarck
provoked war with Austria in 1866
Austro-Prussian War
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Austria was supported by Bavaria, Saxony,
and Hanover.
The efficiency of the Prussian army amazed
the world.
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Use of railroads and the telegraph
Prussian initiative led to victory over Austria
in only seven weeks.
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Sometimes called The Seven Weeks War
Treaty of Prague
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The war ended with the Treaty of Prague
(1866)
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Austria approved the dissolution of the German
Confederation and surrendered its rule of Holstein
to Prussia.
The Italians gained Venetia
Many Prussians wanted Bismarck to crush
Austria.
Bismarck Knows Best
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However, Bismarck was a shrewd diplomat.
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Wanted Austria out of the Confederation, not as a
permanent enemy.
Wanted the southern German states to join
Prussia willingly.
In the north, Prussia gained Hanover, HessCassel, and Nassau along with the free city
of Frankfurt.
The North German
Confederation
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In 1867, the North German Confederation
was formed.
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Each state had self-government
The king of Prussia was hereditary president of
the Confederation
Prussia dominated the legislature of the
Confederation
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It had a superior army and industry
It had greatest number of representatives
The Holdouts
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Only Bavaria, Baden, and Wurttemberg and
Hesse-Darmstadt remained outside the
Confederation.
If they could be persuaded to join Prussia,
German unity would be complete.
Catholic and Austrian influence was strong.
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It would take some great outside danger to
persuade the states to join willingly.
Franco-Prussian War
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Bismarck now felt that a war with France
would be just what was needed.
Bismarck used diplomacy to provoke a war.
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Ems Dispatch was the tool necessary to lure
France into a war with Prussia.
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Bismarck edited a conversation between the king &
French Ambassador.
France declared war on Prussia in 1870.
The War Ends
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The Southern States joined Prussia willingly
Within a few months the French were totally
defeated.
France was not treated as leniently as was
Austria.
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Occupied by German forces.
Lost Alsace and part of Lorraine.
Had to pay a huge indemnity.
The Birth of the Second Reich
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1871, at Versailles, the formation of a new
German Empire was declared.
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Its new capital was Berlin
William I was proclaimed German emperor
Bismarck was named “Chancellor” of the new
German Empire.
Because of his policy of “blood and iron” he
was called the “Iron Chancellor.”
A two house legislature was established
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Bundesrat (upper house) Reichstag (lower house)
German Unification