German Unification By evankennelly Period: Jun 8, 1815 to Jun 14, 1866 German Confederation Mar 13, 1848 Berlin rioters force a constitutional convention to write up a liberal constitution Period: Jan 2, 1861 to Mar 9, 1888 Wilhelm I's reign Feb 1, 1864 Prussia and Austria join together and wage war against Denmark Period: Jun 14, 1866 to Aug 23, 1866 Austro-Prussian War declared over border conflicts. Prussia humiliated Austria. Jul 19, 1870 French declare war on Prussia over Bismarck's deception Sep 1, 1870 Prussian army surrounds the main French force at Sedan Jan 18, 1871 King William I of Prussia proclaimed Emperor of Germany Jan 18, 1871 King Wilhelm I of Prussia was crowned kaiser at the captured French palace of Versailles Period: Mar 21, 1871 to Mar 20, 1890 Otto von Bismarck's reign as 1st chancellor of Germany