The Unification of Germany, 1815-1919

Germany 1815-48

Before 1871, Germany was not a unified state but a collection of states with a growing desire for unification, particularly among the young, educated, and middle/upper classes.

Key Concepts

  • Vormärz: The period from 1815-1848, marked by reaction and repression under Metternich, but also the growth of nationalist and liberal opposition.
  • German Confederation: Established in 1815, it comprised 39 states with the aim of maintaining the status quo, not promoting German unity.
  • Vienna Settlement: The peace treaty of 1814-1815 that significantly affected Germany by establishing the German Confederation.
  • Nationalism: The belief in a unified German identity, fueled by shared language, culture, and resentment of foreign rule.
  • Liberalism: A movement advocating for constitutional reform, freedom of speech, press, and worship, and parliamentary systems based on property ownership.
  • Zollverein: The Prussian Customs Union initiated in 1818, fostering economic unity among German states by removing internal tariffs.

Key Dates

  • 1813: Battle of Leipzig.
  • 1814-15: Vienna Peace Settlement.
  • 1815: German Confederation established.
  • 1817: Wartburg Festival.
  • 1819: Carlsbad Decrees.
  • 1832: Nationalist festival at Hambach.
  • 1834: Zollverein came into operation.
  • 1840: Frederick William IV became King of Prussia.
  • 1847: Meeting of the Prussian United Diet in Berlin.

Key Individuals

  • Metternich: Austrian chief minister who aimed to maintain Austria’s authority over the German states and opposed German political unity.

Germany in Revolution 1848-9

The German revolutions of 1848-9 followed a pattern of rapid initial success followed by eventual failure. These revolutions shared common causes and characteristics with other European revolutions of the time.

Key Concepts

  • Frankfurt Parliament: An assembly convened to create a constitution for a united Germany, but was ultimately unsuccessful.
  • Provisional Central Power: The ineffective temporary government established while the Frankfurt Parliament debated a constitution.
  • Grossdeutschland vs. Kleindeutschland: The debate over whether to include Austria in a unified Germany or not.
  • March Revolution in Berlin: Demonstrations and riots that led to Prussian King Frederick William IV making concessions.

Key Dates

  • March 5, 1848: Declaration of Heidelberg
  • March 13, 1848: Metternich fell from power
  • March 1848: Riots in Berlin
  • March 31, 1848: Meeting of the Vorparlament
  • May 1848: Meeting of Frankfurt Parliament
  • November 1848: Frederick William re-established control in Berlin
  • December 1848: New Prussian constitution
  • March 1849: Frankfurt Parliament agreed on a constitution
  • April 1849: Frederick William rejected the offer of the German crown
  • June 1849: Frankfurt Parliament dispersed

Prussia and Austria 1849-66

After 1848, Austria's dominance was challenged by Prussia, particularly after Otto von Bismarck became Minister President in 1862.

Key Concepts

  • Prussian Union Plan: Frederick William IV's failed attempt to create a Prussian-led German federation.
  • Capitulation of Olmutz: Prussia's humiliating abandonment of the Prussian Union Plan in 1850.
  • Zollunion Austria attempt to create extended customs union in competition to Zollverein (failed).
  • Bismarck's Aims: Domination of North Germany by Prussia and manipulation of German nationalism to achieve this.

Key Dates

  • 1849: The Erfurt Plan
  • 1850: The Capitulation of Olmutz
  • 1851: German Confederation restored
  • 1861: William I became King of Prussia
  • 1862: Bismarck became Prussia’s Chief Minister
  • 1864: Austria and Prussia fought Denmark
  • 1866: Start of Seven Weeks’ War; Treaty of Prague
  • 1867: North German Confederation created

Prussia and France 1862-71

Emperor Napoleon III declared war on Prussia in 1870 marking a war that produced German unity.

Key Concepts

  • Ems Telegram: Edited by Bismarck to provoke France into war.
  • Motives for Franco-Prussian War: Napoleon III needed a diplomatic and territorial success, while Bismarck sought to unify Germany through war.
  • Treaty of Frankfurt: This imposed harsh peace terms on France.
  • Versailles Proclamation: Proclamation of the German Second Empire inside France following victory.

Key Dates

  • 1867: The Luxemburg crisis
  • 1868-70: The Hohenzollern candidature crisis
  • 1870: The Ems telegram; Start of Franco-Prussian War; Napoleon III surrendered at Sedan; Surrender of the French army at Metz
  • 1871: German Second Empire proclaimed at Versailles; France accepted an armistice; Treaty of Frankfurt

Bismarck's Germany 1871-90

After 1871, Bismarck was the dominant political figure. Post 1871, he sought to unify Germany by limiting the powers of the Reichstag. His reign was marked by the Kulturkampf and anti-socialist legislation.

Key Policies

  • Exploitation: Did all he could to make sure the right people where put into power. He created the best military in Europe.
  • Culture: Tried to instill a one nation under god ideology. Promoted education.
  • Exploitation: Did what it took to hold onto power in Germany. If it meant getting in bed with the devil, he would do it.