Documents on German Unification

Johann Gustav Droysen: Speech to the Frankfurt Assembly

Dec 14, 1848

In this document Johann Gustav Droysen contrasts Austria and Prussia.

Friedrich Wilhelm IV, King of Prussia: Proclamation

Dec 14, 1849

In this document ot explains why Friedrich Wilhelm IV rejected the crown of the national assembly.

Otto von Bismarck: Letter to Minister von Manteuffel

Dec 15, 1856

This document describes developments Bismark anticipated about the realtionship between Germany and Austria.

Field Marshal Helmuth von Moltke

Dec 15, 1866

This document describes the war in 1866 between Prussia and Austria. In the end Germany won dominance of Austria.

Otto von Bismarck

Dec 15, 1866

This document describes Germany's reasoning for avoiding "wounding Austria too severly".

The Imperial Proclamation

Jan 18, 1871

This document describes King Wilhelm and the duties he accepted in this proclamation and the hopes he had for German people.