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The Germans 2nd Attempt for Political Unification
In 1848, liberals met in Frankfurt Assembly and demanded once again for political unity in Germany. They offered the throne of a united German State to Frederick William IV of Prussia. William IV, however, rejected the offer commenting on how it was the notion of a throne offered by the “people” not the government. -
The German Army Strengthens Power
Another one of Bismarck’s main goals was to strengthen the German army. Although the government refused to vote for funds for the army Bismarck strengthened it with money collected for other purposes. Now equipped with a strong army Bismarck decided it was time to pursue an aggressive foreign policy and led Prussia into 3 different wars which strengthened its power after each one. -
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The man of Realistic Politics
Otto von Bismarck was so successful due to being a master of Realpolitik or realistic politic based on the needs of the state. He noted that this time power was more important than principles. Bismarck’s real goal was to bring the Hohenzollerns, or ruling dynasty of Prussia, more power. -
New Prime Minister
Otto Von Bismarck became the Prime Minister of Prussia give by King William I. Within a decade he became chancellor Germany. He used the "blood and iron" policy to unite Germany and Prussia. -
Allicane with Austria
Otta Van Bismarck made an alliance with Austria. He then after took provinces of Schleswig and Holestein in Denmark. A short war then occured and Pruissia and Austira split the goods. -
Franco-Prussian War
A war between French Empire and Kingdom of Prussia. During the war Germany helped Prussia out and aided them because they did not want France to gain power again. Prussia ended up winning the war in 1871 which later helped led to German Unification. -
The Germans Create an Empire
The German confederation persuaded William I to take the title of Kaiser or emperor. Later a constitution drafted by Bismarck set up a two house legislature, the Bundesrat and the Reichstag. The Bundesrat held more power and could veto any decisions of the Reichstag, meaning real power was held in the hands of the emperor and his chancellor. -
Bismarck vs the Church
Bismarck was a Lutheran so he was not very fond of the Catholics beliefs and how they looked up to the Pope not Germany. So he created Kulturkampf to force them to put their loyality to the state not the church. He then passed laws the supervised what they taught and the approving of new preists. -
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Bismarck vs Socialism
Bismarck was afraid that the Socialist would hurt the German loyality and cause a reolution. He then saw workers were moving to Socialism so he gave them laws in their favor to get them on his side. The workers still stayed with Socialism and it grew that in 1912 it held the most seats in the Reichstag. -
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The Germans economy flourishes
Like Great Britain, Germany had many natural resources which made industrialization possible. The German middle class and educated workforce helped create a productive and efficient society that prided itself on its sense of responsibility and deference to authority. Germany also had a massive population growth, from 41 million to 67 million within 40 years.
