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Napoleon Raids German Lands
Napoleon made lots of changes in territories of German-speaking people. Most Germans liked Napoleon with his modern policies but others hated him. German people then demanded a unified German state. Napoleon was defeated but that didn't resolve this issue. -
Bismarck Unites Germany
Otto von Bismarck was made a prime minister in 1862 by King William I. Then, in a few years, he became a chancellor, or the highest official of a monarch. He used the policy of "blood and iron" to unite German states under the rule of Prussians. -
Prussia Declares War with Denmark and Austria
In 1864, Bismarck formed an alliance with Austria. Then, in 1866, Bismarck made an excuse so he could attack Austria. This started a war that lasted seven weeks and Prussia ended up winning. After this, Prussia annexed, or took control of, several nothern Germany states. Also, Bismarck dissolved the Confederation led by the Austrians. -
France Declares War on Prussia
The French and Prussian war started in 1870 over rivalry between the two nations. Prussians forces destroyed the French soldiers becasue the French were badly organized and had poor supplies. After a few weeks, Napoleon III surrendered and France had to accept peace. -
German Empire is Born
William I of Prussia took title Kaiser, or emperor, after persuasion from the North German Confederation. Then, in January 1871, German nationalists celebrated the bith of the Reich, or empire. A constitution was then drafted by Bismarck. This set up a two-house legislature.
