-
Zollverein Established
A customs union was established between German states which intended to increase trade with in the region. The union was led by Prussia. Every German state excluding Austria joined. -
Bismark Elected
Bismark is elected as Minister President of Prussia. He would rule until 1890, with the exception of a ten month hiatus in 1873. Prior to this postion he was the Prussian Ambassador to France and Russia. Bismarck utilized RealPolitik, or real, need-based policies. -
Blood and Iron
This was one of Bismarck's famous speeches. He emphasized the mistakes of previous rebellions. He argued that goal must be achieved through blood and iron. -
Austro-Prussian War Begins
The war was between Austria and Prussia. It was also known as the Third Independence War in the Italian Unification. Bismark had reorganized the army prior to the war, which paid off. BIsmark originally wanted to rid Austrian influence in Prussia. -
Treaty of Prauge
From the Treaty of Prauge, Bismark formed the North German Confederation which united the northern Protestant German states. Bismark became the Chancellor of the Confederation, which was the second highest seat of power. The constituion created a legislature with two houses, and a gave an opportunity fro the common man to participate in government. Prussian also gained a large portion of land. -
Franco-Prussian War Begins
The War was between Napoleon III of France and William I of Prussia. The war was over buffer states between France and Prussia, and both sides claimed territory to protect their borders. The southern German states supported the Northern, and took a step closer to a unified Germany. -
Kulturkampf begins
Rhis was an attempt by Bismarck to steal German loyalty from the church. He did this through regulating Catholic behavior. This movement ultimately failed. -
German Empire Formed
Unified during the Franco-Prussian War, the North and South of Germany combined. This happened directly after Paris fell to a siege. Germany was now a nation state. -
Treaty of Frankfurt
This ended the Franco Prussian War. As a result, Germany gained Alsace-Lorraine. The War also caused the formation of the German Empire and the Third French Republic. -
Anti Socialism
Bismarck launched anti socialist reforms. Like his Kulturekampf, they were oppressive. Like the Kulturekampf, they mostly failed. -
Welfare
Throughout the 1880's, Bismarck added welfare programs. These were supportee by the people. Also, these reforms helped undermine socialism.
