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Confederation of the Rhine
Source. Eventually nearly all the German states except Austria and Prussia joined the confederation. Francis II, emperor of Austria, relinquished the title Holy Roman emperor in 1806. Napoleon attempted to influence the internal and foreign affairs of the confederation, but recurring international crises diverted his efforts. This was positive for Prussia because Austria was excluded. -
Congress of Vienna
In 1815, the Congress of Vienna gave Prussia over half of Saxony. The Congress of Vienna changed the Confederation of the Rhine to the German Confederation. It chose Prussia and Austria to look over it. This event, which had a positive impact on Prussia, was the preparation for Prussia to start unifying the German states. Click here to see Secondary Source. -
Zollverein
The Zollverien was created in 134 to stimulate trade and increase the revenues of member states. The Zollverein was a positive effect in a way that Prussia had an advantage over Austria in the rivalry to control German affairs. Secondary Source. Another Secondary Source. -
Revolution of 1848
Secondary source. This event was a liberal revolution that began when the desire for German unification grew. It took place in southern and western German states was led by well-educated students who wanted German national unity, freedom of the press, and freedom of assembly. It had a negative effect because it forced liberals into exile. -
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The Danish War
German-Danish War Under the leadership of Otto von Bismarck, Prussia reacted immediately and, in 1864, war broke out between Denmark and Prussia with Austria. It had a positive effect because Prussia won. -
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Seven Weeks War
Also called the Austro-Prussian war, The seven weeks war was between Prussia and Austria, and it ended in a Prussian victory, which meant the exclusion of Austria from Germany. Another Prussian victory was a positive effect on the unification and nationalism.Secondary Source. -
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The Franco-Prussian War
Source. Bismarck thought it would be a good idea to bring the south German states along and unify them after they were unwiling to go further in change due to differences in religion and political traditions with the North. Bismisarck edited the King's recollection of the conference at Ems, Germany to make it seem inflammatory, and France declared war with Prussia. The outcome was a Prussian victory, whic had a positive effect. Secondary Source -
Ems Telegram
Source. Took place during the Franco-Prussian War. During the meeting in Ems, Germany, the French ambassador requested William's guarantee that Leopold would never seek the Spanish throne. When William refused, Bismarck (with an intent on starting war with France, rewrote the recollection to make it seem inflammatory. It sparked the Franco-Prussian War. This was negative because it started a war. -
Formation of the German Empire
Representatives of allied German states met in the Hall of Mirrors of the palace of Versailles near Paris. They issued a proclamation declaring the formation of the German Empire, which excluded Austria. This had a positive effect because it was when Germany began to fully form and unify. The German Empire was founded. Information on all of the unification of Germany. -
Kulturkampf
The Kulturkampf was an intense campaign of anti-Catholic anticlericalism initiated by German chancellor Otto Von Bismarck as part of his drive to unify Germany and build a strong central government. This resulted in negative effects because the policies stirred opposition.
