The Unification of Germany Timeline

Congress of Vienna

Oct 31, 1815

In 1815, German states reorganized into a confederation consisting of 38 states. This was the first attempt to unify Germany.

The Unification of Germany

Period: Oct 31, 1815 to Oct 31, 1871

Zollverein Trade Developed

Oct 31, 1818

Zollverein is a customs union designed for equal trade. It was in its developing stage at thia point

Zollverein comes into Effect

Oct 31, 1834

Prussia officially founds the Zollverein, which does not include Austria.

The Unification of Italy

Nov 1, 1859

This was the reason why Germany "needed' to be unified.

William I Crowned Kaiser

Oct 31, 1861

He replaced Frederick Willian IV as kaiser and wanted a bigger army.

William I calls in Count Otto von Bismarck

Oct 31, 1862

After parliament rejects William's wishes to increase the military budget, he calls upon Otto von Bismarck, a Junker and strong military leader.

Battle of Sadowa

Jul 3, 1866

This was the second war Bismarck used to unify Germany.

The Seven Weeks War

Oct 31, 1866

Bismarck used three wars to unify Germany. This was the first one.

The Franco-Prussian War

Oct 31, 1870

The last war that was fought in order to get the southern Germans on Prussia's side.