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German Confederation
Photo Source-Map of German ConfederationThe German Federal Act established the German Confederation in 1815. The German Confederation was the starting point in the rise of German nationalism among the 19th century. This is a positive effect because it gave way to the possibility of German unification and also helped the German states find similarities within each other after the defeat of Napoleon I. -
The Zollverein
ZollvereinThe Zollverein was a custom union created to abolish taxes that restricted trade among German states. It was created to spread industrialization and enforce exchange of goods and ideas as well as make German states economically dependent. This was a positive step to unify Germany because partnership in business and trade will help bring similar ideas and beliefs throuogh the German states to enforce unification. Nationalism will also grow as a result. -
The Danish War
Wars of German UnificationThe Danish War was fought between Denmark and Prussia (Austria as ally) over two German states bordering Denmark-Schleswig and Holstein. This war was won by Prussia, and territory was distributed to where Austria gains Schleswig and Prussia gains Holstein. This war was a positive step in promoting German unification because Prussia gained more territory with German people, which will keep the Germans in one place to ensure unification. Nationalism would increase and result in unification. -
The Seven Weeks' War
Austrio-Prussian WarThe Seven Weeks' War was a war between Austria and Prussia in which Prussia sought to diminish Austria's power. Bismarck made Austria declare war on Prussia. Neighboring European countries were prevented from interfering in the war. Austria was quickly defeated because of Prussia's advancements in technology and communication. This was a positive step towards German unification because of Prussia's territorial gain and control over the German Confederation (later North German Confederation). -
The Ems Telegram
Ems Telegram-Primary SourceNapoleon III requested William to prevent further rule of WIlliam's relative(could cause France to be surrounded by German states). Bismarck saw this as a great opportunity to make France declare war (to unite South Germany with North). Bismarck receives the Ems telegram from the king but changes it to blemish the reputation of French. The Franco-Prussian war begins. This war was another positive step to German unification because it unified South and North Germany to influence nationalism. -
The Franco Prussian War
Franco Prussian WarThis war is considered the turning point of German unification because it was the last major war fought before the creation of Germany. This is a positive effect of nationalism because it marks the ending of tension among German states and ensures unity. It is also, however, a negative effect on Germany's foreign relations, especially France. It is considered as Germany's "revenge" on France for Napoleon I's conquests. -
Battle of Sedan
Battle of SedanThe Battle of Sedan turned the Franco-Prussian war in favor of the Prussians. This is one of the most important battles and Prussian victories in the Franco-Prussian war that ended the warfare tension between France and Germany. This is a positive effect leading to German unification because it greatly favored Prussia's struggle to control a united Germany. It is also the turning point for the Franco-Prussian war. -
The Seige of Paris
Photo Source-Siege of ParisThe Seige of Paris was the last battle of the Franco-Prussian war when German forces invade Paris, France after the great victory at Sedan. This was an important battle because it determined German victory in the entire war. This was a positive effect of nationalism in Germany because it was the fulfillment of Bismarck's goal in getting rid of French influence and uniting Germany. -
The German Empire
Copyright Act of 1870, BerlinThis is the outcome ensuring the long anticipated German unification. Germany is established with William as kaiser and Bismarck as chancellor. The German Empire also establishes a constitution and creates many reforms and changes according to the nation's creation (for example a Copyright Act of Berlin). The German Empire is the positive outcome of German nationalism, but it still brings forth political tension within neighboring European countries. -
Treaty of Frankfurt
Treaty of FrankfurtGerman states, after the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian war, gather at the Palace of Versailles in France to celebrate the victory over France and issue the Treaty of Frankfurt. This is positive because it marked the fulfilment of German nationalism. However, this is also considered negative despite the final unity of Germany because it punished France by demanding French territory and increased tension regarding struggle in Europe's balance of Power.
