19th Century Germany

Flashcards about 19th Century Germany

What economic challenges did Austria face in the 1850s?

Economic downturn and the expense of maintaining its empire.

How did Prussia benefit from the Zollverein?

Gained economic domination of Germany because Austria did not join.

What was Otto von Manteuffel's goal with his reforms?

To promote economic and social development without political concessions to radicals.

What were some of Otto Von Manteuffel's social reforms?

Improved conditions for peasants and factory workers.

Why did the Frankfurt Parliament fail?

Members lacked political experience, lacked means of enforcing decisions, delay in deciding on a constitution, and reassertion of princely authority.

Why was the German Confederation unable to enforce territory laws?

It lacked its own army and relied on the Prussian military.

What territories did Denmark want to incorporate, leading to the Schleswig-Holstein crisis?

Schleswig and Holstein.

What did Prussia's withdrawal of forces in the Schleswig-Holstein crisis demonstrate?

The dependence of the Frankfurt Parliament on the cooperation of traditional rulers.

What was the 'humiliation of Olmütz'?

The reassertion of Austrian power.

What was Friedrich Wilhelm IV's plan for German unity?

The Erfurt Union, uniting northern and central Germany under Prussian control.

Why did the Erfurt Union collapse?

Austria put forward a rival scheme, and Prussia was too weak to resist.

How did Prussia's geographical location benefit it?

It gave it the opportunity to dominate other German states.

What factors weakened Austria's position?

Need to control its large empire and loss of support from Russia due to the Crimean War.

How did Prussia's economy grow after 1849?

Expansion of coal, iron, steel, railways, etc.

What did the Nationalverein call for in 1859?

Nationwide elections and strong national authority.

What was the initial arrangement for Schleswig and Holstein after the conflict with Denmark?

Holstein administered by Austria and Schleswig administered by Prussia.

What alliances did Bismarck seek before the Austro-Prussian War?

Agreements with Napoleon III of France and Italy.

What factors contributed to Prussia's victory in the Austro-Prussian War?

Well-prepared army, better officers, better equipment, and access to more railways.

What territories did Prussia take over after the Austro-Prussian War?

Hesse-Cassel, Nassau, Hanover, Frankfurt, and Schleswig-Holstein.

What was the structure of the North German Confederation?

Federal Council (Bundesrat) and Parliament (Reichstag).

How was Bismarck accountable in the North German Confederation?

In practice, he was accountable only to the King of Prussia.

What was Bismarck's stance on unifying all of Germany?

He claimed he had no plans to unify all of Germany but made defensive alliances with southern states.

What tactics did Bismarck use towards France?

Provocation of Napoleon III over the Duchy of Luxembourg.

Why did France become concerned about Prussian expansion?

It made alliances with Austria and Russia.

What was the Spanish Succession Crisis?

Queen Isabella forced to abdicate, and Bismarck encouraged Leopold to accept the throne.

Why was Bismarck appointed Minister President?

To finance army reforms without causing loss of royal powers, despite liberal opposition.

What was the main idea of Bismarck's Blood and Iron Speech?

Economic strength and military action were key to Prussia's development, not speeches or parliamentary majorities.

What was Bismarck's relationship with William I like?

Stormy, often resulting in outbursts and threats of resignation.

How did Bismarck solve the army reform issue?

By collecting taxes without parliamentary agreement, using the 'gap theory.'

What was Bismarck's aim regarding Prussia and Austria?

To make Prussia the dominant power in northern Germany.