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Napoleon Raids German Land
Between 1806-1812, Napoleon annexed nations along the Rhine River; forcing some into the Rhine Confederation. Some Germans welcomed Napoleon's enlightened ideas, while some didn't. After Napoleon's defeat, the German Confederation was created, which was a weak alliance lead by Austria. -
Bismarck Unites Germany
In 1862, King William I made this landowning noble prime minister. He was very good at using Realpolitik. This German nationalist built up military, and after taking over provinces in Denmark, Austria, and some northern German states, he dissolved German Confederation and made a confederation led by Prussia. It also defeated Napoleon III of France, who was mad at the Prussians for beating the Austrians. -
Prussia Declares War on Denmark and Austria
Otto von Bismarck, in 1864, created an alliance with Austria. They took control of the Scheswig and Holstein from Denmark. In 1866, Prussia went to war with Austria, which is known as The Austro-Prussian War. Prussia also took over a couple northern German states, and it broke up the German Confederation and made a new confederation lead by Prussia. -
Frence Declares War on Prussia
Napoleon III was mad about Prussia defeating Austria. Germans were fueled up with nationalism due to the rememberence of Napoleon I's domination, both went to war which was known as the Franco-Prussian War. Napoleon III, however, surrendered to the superior Prussian military -
German Empire is Born
William I took the title of the kaiser after the Prussian victory over France. In January, the Second Reich had been born. A constitution was made, which set up a two-house legislature. Bundesrat was the upper house, and its members were appointed by the rulers of the German States. The Reichstag was the lower house, and its members were elected by German males.
