German Unification

The Zollverein

Customs union in Germany excluding Austria, fostering economic unity.

1848 Revolutions

Middle & lower classes sought reforms. The Frankfurt Parliament aimed for unification, excluding Austria.

Bismarck- domestic & foreign policies

Sought to strengthen Prussia, initially allied with France.

1864 War

German states (led by Prussia) defeated Denmark.

1866 War

Austro-Prussian War led to the North German Confederation under Prussian control.

1870-71 War

Franco-Prussian War completed the unification of all German States.

Wilhelm II

Accepted the constitution as first emperor of Germany and king of Prussia.

Realpolitik

Pursuit of a nation's self-interest based on realistic assessments.

Bismarck

Prime Minister of Prussia from 1862, influential for 30 years.

German Confederation of 1815

Unified by Napoleon I, foundational for German unification.

1848 Frankfurt Assembly

Attempted German unification but failed; offered crown to Wilhelm, who declined.

Junker

Prussian nobles.

Schelswig- Holstein

Two states that Austria and Prussia reclaimed from Denmark.

Danish War

Prussia and Austria vs. Denmark to reclaim Schelswig-Holstein.

Landtag

Representative assembly.

Kaiser William- Wilhelm

Appointed Bismarck & declined the throne from the Frankfurt Assembly.

Austrian War

War against Prussia & Austria over Schleswig-Holstein, initiated by Austria.

EMS telegram

Telegram altered by Bismarck to provoke conflict between France & Prussia.

Franco-Prussian War

Ended in Prussian victory.

North German Confederation

Formed after Prussia defeated Austria; united Prussia & North German States.

Peace of Frankfurt

Related to the Frankfurt Assembly's outcomes.

Hohenzollern

Prussian monarchists.

Habsburg

Austrian monarchists.

Grossdeutsch

Big Germany (included Austria).

Kleindeutsch

Small Germany (excluded Austria).

What lessons for national unification did the failure of the Frankfurt Assembly seem to teach?

Unification requires a unified plan and the inclusion of either Austria or Prussia.

How did economic and social changes affect German nationalist attitudes?

Economic changes, especially from the Zollverein, and social changes fostered German unity.

Describe Bismarck's political outlook. explain the nature and outcome of his dispute with the liberals in the Prussian parliament.

Bismarck's outlook was conservative and opposed to liberals.

What was the meaning of the famous blood and iron statement

Stated by Bismarck, indicating war would determine Germany's outcome.

How did Bismarck succeed in ousting Austria from a position of leadership in Germany?

He diplomatically provoked Austria into war, leading to Austria's defeat and loss of influence.

What do you understand by the terms 'nationalism' and 'liberalism'

Nationalism - loyalty and devotion to a nation.

Liberalism - people