german

Chancellor

The head of government in Prussia and later the German Empire.

Realpolitik

A political philosophy focusing on practical goals and power rather than ideals or ethics.

Annex

To incorporate a region into another state's territory.

Reich

German term for 'empire.'

Zollverein

An economic union initiated by Prussia to unify German states economically by removing tariffs.

Junkers

Prussian aristocratic landowners who supported Bismarck's militaristic policies.

Otto von Bismarck

Known as 'The Iron Chancellor,' unified Germany using Realpolitik and strong military policies.

What was the significance of Realpolitik in Bismarck's policies?

It allowed Bismarck to manipulate alliances, provoke wars, and unify Germany.

What was a key outcome of the Austro-Prussian War (1866)?

Prussia gained sole control over Schleswig and Holstein, expelling Austria from German affairs.

What caused the Franco-Prussian War?

Bismarck manipulated France into declaring war through the Ems Dispatch.

What was the outcome of the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71)?

Decisive Prussian victory; the German Empire was proclaimed in 1871.

What was Kulturkampf?

The 'Battle for Civilization' targeting the Catholic Church, resulting in increasing Catholic unity.

What was the response of Bismarck to the rise of socialism?

He adopted socialist ideas through reforms like health insurance and an 8-hour workday.

What major change occurred in German policy after Kaiser Wilhelm II dismissed Bismarck?

Shifted towards more aggressive foreign policies.

The economic union initiated by Prussia to remove tariffs and unify German states was called __________.

Zollverein.

The second unified German Empire established in 1871 under Kaiser Wilhelm I is known as __________.

The Second Reich.

Bismarck's strategy combining diplomacy, wars, and reforms can be summarized as __________.

Diplomacy, Wars, Reforms (DWR).

The significant conflict that set the stage for German unification was the __________.

Franco-Prussian War.