German Unification Revision

Flashcards about German Unification

What was the state of Germany after 1815?

After 1815, Germany was reorganized into 39 states forming the German Confederation (Bund), led by Austria. Austria opposed German unity, maintaining control through the Federal Diet.

What was the state of German nationalism after the Napoleonic Wars?

The Napoleonic Wars strengthened German nationalism due to shared experiences against French occupation. However, post-1815 sentiment was limited to a small, liberal-minded middle class advocating for constitutional reforms and unification. (Burschenshaft)

What provoked the Carlsbad Decrees? (1819)

The Carlsbad Decrees were provoked by the assasination of conservative writer Kotzebue by the nationalist student Karl Ludwig Sand, which led to increased repression against liberal movements in the German states.

What did the Carlsbad Decrees do?

The 1819 Carlsbad Decrees, issued after a student assassinated a conservative playwright, imposed press censorship, dissolved student societies (Burschenschaften), and brought universities under surveillance to suppress liberal-nationalist ideas.

What was the Zollverein?

Established in 1834, the Zollverein was a customs union led by Prussia that removed internal tariffs and standardized trade practices, fostering economic integration among member states and boosting Prussian economic influence. It helped lay the groundwork for political unification by promoting inter-German trade and cooperation.

What factors led to the 1848 Revolution in Prussia?

The 1848 Revolution in Prussia was driven by economic distress (poor harvests, rising food prices), political repression (lack of constitutional rights), and social unrest, exacerbated by a cholera epidemic in 1848 that increased discontent.

What happened during the March 1848 demonstrations in Berlin?

In March 1848, Prussian troops killed around 800 demonstrators in Berlin protesting for liberal reforms. Consequently, King Frederick William IV made concessions, promising a constitution and initially supporting unification, though power shifted to revolutionaries briefly.

What was the Frankfurt Parliament? (1848-49)

The Frankfurt Parliament (1848-49) aimed to unify Germany by drafting a constitution and offering the imperial crown to the Prussian king. However, it lacked independent power, funds, or military loyalty, and faced opposition from Austria and Prussia, leading to its collapse by 1849. Made by democratic and liberal individuals, it was the first attempt at a unified German state.

Why did the Frankfurt Parliament fail? (1848-1849)

• Frederick William IV (Prussia’s King) rejected the crown offered by the parliament, viewing it as a threat to the monarchy because he saw accepting a crown from a elected assembly as a lack of legitimacy. He saw it as ‘a crown from the gutter’, there is the King of Bavaria because his parents were kings and kings were chosen by god.

• No real power, they had no army and since they faced opposition from Prussia and Austria they became powerless.

• Divisions in parliaments, members could not agree on important issues such as whether Austria should be included in a unified Germany.

• Lack of support, ordinary people e.g. workers and peasants felt like they were being under represented.

• A major blow came during the 1 st Schleswig War, where Prussia unilaterally signed the Treaty of Malmö (August 1848), exposing the Frankfurt Parliament’s lack of authority.

What was the Erfurt Union? (1850)

• Conservative Prussian Attempt at Unification

• Prussia wanted to be the leader of Germany and tried to unite the German states under its control. This plan was called the Erfurt Union.

• Austria didn’t like this idea because Austria wanted to stay in charge of Germany.

• When there was a problem in a small state (Hesse-Kassel), Austria and Prussia almost went to war.

• Austria got help from Russia (Moral) , so Prussia realized it couldn’t win.

• In 1850, Prussia gave up and signed an agreement with Austria called the Punctation of Olmütz, reaffirming Austrian dominance in the German Confederation. Got rid of the Erfurt Union.

• Lasted for a few weeks

How did Prussia's power grow in the 1850s? And what was going on with Austria during that time?

Prussian industrial output, trade, railway development, and living standards rose significantly in the 1850s due to industrialization (superior weapons) and Zollverein. the Zollverein expanded free trade which isolated Austria. And Austria's position weakened during the Crimean War (1853-1856) and Italian War of Independence (1859).

Moltke was a key military strategist who modernized the Prussian army, contributing to its rising power and effectiveness during conflicts, especially railways giving Prussia an edge.

Oppositely, Austria’s position has weakened during the Crimean War (1853-56) facing diplomatic isolation. They were also just recovering from the 1848 revolutions.

What were Bismark’s goals?

Prussia to grow in power and break free from Austrian control, though he wasn’t a true German nationalist he had used this to weaken Austria’s influences.

What was Bismarck's approach to politics?

Bismarck, as Prussian Minister-President from 1862, followed Realpolitik, using unconventional methods like manipulating public opinion and military force to weaken Austria and secure Prussian dominance in Germany. In 1862, when he was appointed he declared major issues would be decided by “blood and iron,” (war, industrial power) not debate. Bismarck bypassed Parliament, collected taxes illegally, and pushed through army reforms. He ruled without a legal budget or parliamentary approval from 1862 until 1866.

What was the outcome of the Second Schleswig War?

The 1864 Second Schleswig War, fought between Denmark and Austria/Prussia over the Schleswig and Holstein duchies, ended in a Danish defeat, with Austria and Prussia jointly occupying the duchies, setting the stage for future conflict between them.

What preparations did Bismarck make before the Austro-Prussian War?

Before the 1866 war with Austria, Bismarck secured French neutrality through vague promises and an alliance with Italy, promising Venetia in return for support. Prussia's military, reformed by von Roon and led by Moltke, was far better prepared. Bismarck has also secured Russian neutrality in 1863 as he allowed them to cross Prussia.

What were the consequences of the Austro-Prussian War? (1866)

The Treaty of Prague (1866), ending the Austro-Prussian War, created the North German Confederation under Prussian control, annexed key territories like Schleswig-Holstein, Hesse-Cassel, Hanover, Nassau, and Frankfurt and transformed Prussia's political scene, solidifying its dominance in Northern Germany. Liberals were now in support of Bismark as he requested a parliamentary pardon for ruling unconstitutionally (not rule book) This treaty was not meant to punish Austria but more of reshaping Germany.

How did Bismarck handle the southern German states after 1866?

After 1866, Prussia controlled northern Germany and linked southern states (although they were independent) e.g. Bavaria, Baden, Wurttemberg, and Hesse-Darmstadt through trade and military deals, though full unification was delayed by southern resistance. France, upset by Prussia’s growing power and its own lack of gains, grew more hostile. Tensions worsened in 1867 when France tried to buy Luxembourg, but German backlash forced Bismarck to block it. This deepened mistrust and made future conflict more likely.

What events led to the Franco-Prussian War?

The Franco-Prussian War of 1870 was triggered by the Spanish Succession crisis where Bismarck encouraged William the 1st to support his cousin Prince Leopold, this was meant to be quiet but France found out and objected. Furthermore, the Ems Telegram, edited by Bismarck to provoke France into declaring war as they felt insulted this had stirred public outrage in both France and Germany, thus uniting German states against a common enemy.

How did the events of Franco-Prussian War (1870-71) unfold?

France was diplomatically isolated and without allies as Britain were suspicious due to their actions of trying to expand borders by buying Luxembourg. Austria still recovering from its 1866 defeat stayed neutral, Russia had openly supported Prussia. Prussia had 380,000 troops compared to France’s 200,0000. The French had also had very weak leadership.

What was the outcome of the Franco-Prussian War?

The Franco-Prussian War (1870-71) resulted in French defeat. France had lots allies and were diplomatically isolated. They had lost of Alsace-Lorraine to Germany, and severe indemnity terms imposed by the Treaty of Frankfurt (1871). (5 Billion Francs) This humiliation fueled French resentment and revanchism.

How was German unification finally achieved?

German unification was achieved on January 18, 1871, driven by nationalist enthusiasm, Prussian propaganda, and Bismarck's efforts to turn wartime cooperation into political unity, culminating in the proclamation of the German Empire at Versailles. Humiliating teh French even further as it was the palace of King Louis XIV, symbolizing German ascendance.

What were the 3 main challenges that stood in Bismarck’s way and how did he get rid of them?

The 3 main challenges were Wurttemberg and Bavaria’s desire to remain independent, King William I’s refusal to accept the crown, and weakening of Prussian monarchy. But the princes of the Southern states had little to no choice but to agree to unification as they were isolated this had taken many threats and financial incentives. Crucially, Bismarck ensured that William would be offered the imperial crown by other princes preserving traditional legitimacy.

Was Bismarck a master planner or an opportunist?

Bismarck portrayed himself as a master planner of German unification, but modern historians argue he was more of an opportunist, adept at exploiting rivals' mistakes and adapting to changing circumstances to achieve his goals.

What was the relationship between Bismarck and William I?

Bismarck often acted independently, but his political and diplomatic successes gradually earned William I's respect, leading to German unification under Prussian leadership with William I as German Emperor.

What role did von Roon's military reforms play?

Von Roon's military reforms, including conscription and modernizing equipment, transformed the Prussian army, enabling swift victories and providing Bismarck the military backing to implement his political strategy.

What was the key role of von Moltke and Prussian military strategy in German Unification?

Moltke's leadership was crucial in victories over Denmark, Austria, and France through superior tactics, strategic troop deployment, and efficient mobilization, which enabled Bismarck to achieve his diplomatic and political aims by force. He had transformed Prussian army into something of a rapid and modern fighting force, especially railways.

What was the significance of Bismarkian diplomacy in German Unification?

Bismarck's diplomacy isolated Prussia's enemies and, through such diplomatic skills, ensured that Prussia remained strategically positioned while preventing foreign interference, ultimately achieving the unification of Germany.

What was the significance of Prussian economic strength & the Zollverein?

Prussia's economic strength and the Zollverein fostered economic integration, supported military expansion, and made the idea of political unification more appealing to other German states, increasing Prussia's leverage.

What was the significance of Austrian Weakness?

After 1850, German unification became easier because Austria grew weaker. The death of its skilled leader Schwarzenberg in 1852 left Austria with poor leadership. Austria’s neutrality in the Crimean War made it diplomatically isolated, and its weak industrial growth put it at an economic disadvantage. By 1870, fewer Austrians worked in manufacturing, and its poorly trained army struggled, as seen in 1859 when most troops couldn’t use their muskets properly.