Mod 3 German unification

Who succeeded von Radowitz as the first minister of Prussia following the Punctuation of Olmutz in November 1850?

Otto von Manteuffel

What changes did von Manteuffel make to the state bureaucracy in Prussia?

He transformed it from a small collection of state ministries into a civil service with processes and layers of management.

In 1851, von Manteuffel introduced a new tax in Prussia. What was it called, and what impact did it have?

The Income Tax of 1851; it made tax collections more efficient, improved the civil service, increased military spending, and allowed investment in economic projects.

Why did von Manteuffel face opposition from ultra-conservatives despite being a conservative himself?

His push for economic liberalization, including loosening government control and supporting joint-stock banks, caused tension with ultra-conservatives.

How did von Manteuffel handle press censorship in Prussia?

He ended press censorship and instead created the Press Agency, providing the press with more government-friendly stories and subsidies to newspapers friendly to the government.

In 1859, liberals founded the 'Nationalverein' in Prussia. What solution did they believe in, and what was its membership limited to?

They believed in the Kleindeutschland solution; membership was limited to the professional classes in the North German states.

Who ruled as regent in Prussia from 1858 to 1861, and what was his stance on the potential unification of Germany?

William I ruled as regent; he believed in pushing for a Kleindeutschland Unification.

Why did William I form a reformed cabinet with both liberals and conservatives?

Moderate liberals had won a small majority in parliament in 1858, and William I wanted to acknowledge this.

Who was appointed as Minister for War in 1860, and what major reforms did he introduce?

General von Roon; he introduced the February 1860 Army Reform Bill, increasing military service and aiming to double the size of the re-equipped army

What was the major political fallout from von Roon's army reform ideas?

Liberals opposed the reforms, seeing the army as an instrument of the king and ultra-conservatives in subduing its own citizens.

In 1862, William I appointed a new first minister in response to the constitutional crisis. Who was this minister?

Otto von Bismarck

What was Bismarck's approach to politics, and what term is associated with his pragmatic policy?

He had a 'realpolitik' approach, and his policy was pragmatic (the ends justify the means).

How did Bismarck handle the opposition to military reforms and increased taxes in parliament?

He abandoned compromise, put military reforms into operation, levied fresh taxes, and warned disobedient civil servants of dismissal.

What famous phrase did Bismarck use in a speech to the Budget Committee of the Prussian parliament, emphasizing the importance of a strong military?

"Blood and iron" – he stressed the need for a strong military to solve the 'German Question.'

What did Bismarck believe was the solution to the 'German Question,' and how did he plan to achieve it?

He believed violence (blood and iron) was needed, as opposed to speeches or majority decisions; he manipulated the political stage to make violence effective.

How did Bismarck's speech on 'blood and iron' appeal to working-class sensibilities?

It depicted the importance of hard work in making gains, gaining support from the working class.

n the 1863 elections, how many pro-government deputies did Bismarck manage to secure?

38

What foreign policy successes did Bismarck achieve to counterbalance his decreasing popularity in Prussia?

He blocked Austrian attempts to reform the Confederation and joined the Zollverein in 1863, and he engineered a reconciliation with Russia in the Convention of Alvensleben in 1863.

What was the impact of Bismarck's appointment on the power dynamics between the parliament and the king in Prussia?

Parliament was outraged but powerless, and the King William I was assured of Bismarck's loyalty.

What term is associated with Bismarck's approach to politics, emphasizing practicality over ideology?

What term is associated with Bismarck's approach to politics, emphasizing practicality over ideology?