-
Johann Gustav Droysen: Speech to the Frankfurt Assembly
German life has its positives and negatives. Positives are that all interests are national and reformative. Negatives are they are dynamic and destructive. Prussia needed German unity to gain power. -
Friedrich Wilhelm IV, King of Prussia: Proclamation of 1849
He cannot accept the crown because the Assembly has no right to offer the crown. It was just so they could accept the constitution. He is a divine right leader -
Otto von Bismarck: Letter to Minister von Manteuffel
Germany is too small for Prussia and Austria. If an agreement can't be reached war is the only option. They have to take land from Austria. -
Field Marshal Helmuth von Moltke
The war of 1866 was entered for a display of power not territorial gain or material advantage. They had to kick Austria out of Germany. Austria was weak and an easy target. -
Otto von Bismarck
Prussia had to avoid doing to much damage to Austria. This was so there was no hatred after the war. If they felt hate they could become allies with France and other enemies of Prussia. -
The Imperial Proclamation
William I was declared emperor. The German empire was born. They now had a new leader to try to bring them more land and freedom.