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The Austrian Empire had goals against tiberal forces, since the Congress of Vienna. By the 1840's factories were forming and the Hapsburgs were having problems with the industrial life.
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In the 1830's Greece won independence. Numerous people revolted against the Ottomans. In the mid 1800's Europeans came to divide the Ottoman Empire. Russia too was fighting numerous wars against the Ottomans. Also, Britian and France were claiming Ottoman lands.
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It was pointed out at the Congress of Vienna that diamantling the government of each state would be required to unite Germany.
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In result of the French Burbon leader being put in charge of Naples and Sicily, nationalists created secret socities to expell Austrian forces. However, each time a revolt took place the Austrian troops crushed the socities.
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The secret socities created by the nationalists ended their revolts.
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The Hapsburgs ignored demands made by nationalists. Soon they revolted the the government crushed the nationalists.
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Nationalists took over Venice's arsenal and declared the Republic of Venice. The success was short and disbanded. Venice was once again under Austria's rule.
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Count Camillo Cavour became Victor Emmanuel's prime minister. He then moved to reform Sardinia's economy. Also, he supported free trade, built railroads, and improved farming methods.
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Prime Minister Cavour made a deal with Napoleon, who promised to help Sardinia if a war would happen with Austria.
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Cavour provoked a war with Austria and with help from France, he defeated Austria. Sardinia annexed Lombardy.
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In 1861 Cavour died, but his dream was completed. Italy formed an alliance during the Austro-Prussian War with Prussia. Italy won the province of Venetia.
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King William I appointed Otto van Bismarch prime minister. Thus, making him the highest official of a monarch (chancelor).
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Bismarck first had an alliance formed between Prussia & Austria.
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Austria and Prussia invaded Denmarck and claimed two provinces, Schleswig and Holstein, which were divided. Austria took control of Holstein and Prussia took control of Schleswig.
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Prussia attacked Austria. After seven weeks, Prussia took control of Holstein and other northern states.
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Prussia defeated Austria in a war in 1866. The next year, Ferenc Deak worked out a compromise between Hangarians and Austrians. Thus creating a new political power, the Dual Monarchy. This made Hungary and Austria separate states. Francis Joseph ruled the two states. The states shared ministries of finance, defense, and foreign affairs.
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Bismarck edited the "Ems dispatch" making it look like William I insulted France. France then declared war on Prussia. Within a few weeks France was defeated, proving Germany was Europe's dominant power.
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William I took the title as Germany's Kaiser (emperor). The birth of the second Reich (empire) was then celebrated. Bismarck drafted a constitution made up of a two-house system. The upper class (Bundesrat) was appointed by the rulers of the German states and could veto any lower class (Reichstag) decisions. This allowed the real power to remain with the emperor.
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Bismarck started the Kulturkampf (battle for civilization) in 1871. He wanted members of the Catholic Church to put loyalty to the state before the church.
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After 1871 the German government issued a single currency, organized the banking system, and designed railroads. This promoted economic development.
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The "Battle for Civilization" ended in 1878. In the end, the Kulturkampf made the Catholic Church stronger than before.
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In 1888 Kaiser William I died.
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After Kaiser William I's death his grandson took over, Kaiser William II.
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Kaiser William II asked Otto van Bismarck to resign as the chancellor. Kaiser William II didn't want to be in Bismarck's shadow.