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Zollverein
Prussia created the Zollverein, which was an economic union. It rid of tariff barriers in some of Germany. While it helped, Germany remained politically ununified. -
Demand for Unity
In 1848, the liberals had a meeting for political unity. They asked Frederick William IV of Prussia to take the throne of a united Germany. He rejected this because it was offered by "the people". -
Otto Von Bismark takes the throne
Bismark, coming from Prussia's conservative landowning noble class, served as a diplomat in Russia and France. In 1862 he was appointed prime minister by King WIlliam I. Witthin a decade he had used the "blood and iron" policy to unite the german states under his rule. He had also become chancellor. -
Bismark strengthens army
Bismarck reorganized the Prussian army and improved training in preparation for war. This strong army gave the Germanic people a sense of nationalism. It also increased their chances of unity, because that army was able to win several wars that led to unification. -
Prussia and Austria go to war with Denmark
In their newly formed alliance, Prussia and Austria seized the provinces of Schleswig and Holstein from Denmark. After a short war, they liberated the provinces and then split up the spoils. The accomplishment of the war and the new alliance both added to Germany's growing nationalism. -
Realpolitik
Bismark used realpolitik, or realistic politics based on the needs of the state, where power was more important than principles. In 1866 Bismark used his power to attack Austria, winning with a Prussian victory. Prussia then annexed many northern German states. -
Austro-Prussia war
Prussia invented an excuse to attack Austria. The war, which became known as the seven weeks war or the Austro-Prussia war, ended with a Prussian victory and the annexing of several Germanic states. The war greatly boosted the already growing German nationalism. -
Formation of the North German Confederation
After the Austro-Prussia war, Prussia and a few of its allies left the German Confederation and formed the North German Confederation This new confederation continued to boost German nationalism as well as unification. -
Franco-Prussian War
The Prussian victory over Austria angered Napoleon III, leading to the Franco-Prussian war. The French soldiers were unorganized and were crushed by the higly suoerior Prussian army. Napoleon surrendered and was humiliated by Prussia. -
William the first of Prussia becomes kaiser
The princes of Germany thought that William the first of Prussia was suited for the title of kaiser (emporer) of the second Reich (empire), and they convinced him to agree. Bismark creates a constitution for the new empire
