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German Confederation Formed
39 German states formed a loose grouping called the German Confederation. The Austrian Empire dominated this. -
Period: to
National Unity
A period when Germany united. -
Constitutional Convention
Berlin riots forced a constitutional convention to write up a liberal constitution for the kingdom paving the way for unification. -
Wilhelm is Crowned King
Wilhelm the First succeeded Fredrick William to the throne. -
Bismarck Appointed Prime Minister
Wilhelm chose a conservative Junker named Otto von Bismarck as his prime minister. -
Period: to
Bismarck's Rule
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Bismarck Molds and Empire
Bismarck takes the first step towards molding an empire. Prussia and Austria allied and warred against Denmark, winning two border provinces Schleswig and Holstein. -
North German Confederation
Remaining states of the north joined the North German Confederation which was completly dominated by Prussian. -
Franco-Prussian War
The French react to Bismarck's deception by declaring war on Prussia. -
Wilhelm Crowned Kaiser
King Wilhelm of Prussia was crowned Kaiser at the captured French palace of Versailles.