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Creation of the German Confederation
It was created during the Congress of Vienna. It was put into place because Britain felt that there was a need for a stable, peaceful power in Europe that could keep France and Russia under control. Austria was the head of the Confederation. It also coordinated the economies of seperate German speaking countries. -
Bismark's Rise to Power
He came from Russia's junker class made up of conservative nobles. He first served Prussia as a diplomat in Russia and France. By 1862 King William 1st declared him Prime Minister. With in a decade he became a chancellor which is the highest official of a monarch. He rose so fast do to his strong will and he was a master of realistic politics. He used his policy of "blood and iron" to unite the German states under Prussian rule. -
The Danish War
First, Prussia formed a alliance in 1864 with Austria. Prussia and Austria fought Denmark for the provinces of Holstein and Schleswig. Prussia got Schleswig and Austria got Holstein. -
7 Weeks War
Prussia wanted Holstein from Austria. So they had a Austro-Prussian war, which lasted only seven weeks. This war dissolved the Austrian led German Federation. This created a new confederation dominated by Prussia. Prussia allowed Austria and four other German states to remain independent. -
The Franco-Prussian War
France was angry at Prussia for attacking Austria. Bismarck wanted this war to happen so he rewrote a telegram between French ambassador and King William 1st. Napolean 3rd was furious and declared on Prussia. Prussia defeated France and got Alsace Lorraine which was plentiful with resources. -
Formation of the German Empire
Bismarck created a constitution which set up a two-house legislature. It at Southern German states and North German Confederation persuaded King William 1st to take the title of kaiser which is a emperor. In Janurary 1871, German nationalists celebrated the birth of the second Reich or empire. It is considered the heir of the Holy Roman Empire. The empire had two houses, the Bundesrat, or the upper house which was appointed by rulers of German states. The lower house, Reichstag, elected by men.
