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Why was Germany united by 1871?

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Title: Why was Germany united by 1871?


1
Why was Germany united by 1871?
  • Summary of Chapter 9 of Britain Scotland and
    Germany by John A. Kerr and James McGonigle.

1
2
Intro
  • Relationship between Prussia and Austria changed,
    so by 1860 a Prussian controlled unification
    began to seem possible
  • Austria opposed unification as it saw it as a
    threat to its own empire. The German speaking
    minority in Austria were significant enough to
    worry Austria
  • Upshot Austria and Prussia became rivals

2
3
Intro
  • Austria was getting weaker, losing Allies and
    losing influence. Prussia, on the other hand, was
    getting stronger, rapidly industrialising,
    building road and rail networks, as well as
    telegraph systems. Trade and wealth increasing.
    Prussia also had plenty natural resources.
  • What helped Bismarck achieve unification was, he
    had a good hand to begin with.

3
4
Bismarcks good hand
  • 1848 Revolutions got more people interested in
    politics, increased national feelings and
    clarified political views and associations.
  • Idea of unity gaining ground
  • Military stronger
  • Economy stronger
  • Better rail and road network
  • Increased iron and steel production
  • Zollverien

4
5
Bismarcks good hand
  • Italian nationalists successful
  • Austria weaker
  • Sympathy from some European countries for those
    seeking independence and self determination.

5
6
Changes in Austria
  • Austrian blunder failed to support Russia in
    the war against Britain and France (Crimean War).
    Russia would never forgive Austria for this.
    Russia remained neutral in Austrias conflicts
    thereafter.
  • Austria could do little to stop to tide of
    national feeling and the setting up of the
    Nationalverein (National Organisation). The
    Nationalverein essentially wanted a liberal,
    parliamentary Kleindeutsch, i.e. a Prussian led
    unified state.

6
7
Economic changes
  • Prussia stronger
  • Govt support for workers schemes to help factory
    workers
  • Helped peasants turn away from revolution and
    remain and support their rulers the Junkers
  • Carried out a programme of social reforms
  • Encouraged economic growth
  • Zolverein
  • New raw materials in the Rhine and Saar regions

7
8
Economic changes
  • Austrian decline
  • Lacked raw materials
  • Didnt join the Zollverein
  • Introduced very few social reforms
  • Industrial output stagnated or, at the very least
    it showed a slow increase.
  • (See data on pp.109-110)

8
9
Why are these figures important?
  • As Prussia grew stronger, smaller German states
    realised the benefits of trade with Prussia.
    Smaller states increased trade with the German
    Confederation thanks to the Zollverein
  • Austria tried to latch itself and other states
    outwith the Prussian trade area on to the
    Zollverein as a political move. This was
    successfully opposed by the Bund.

9
10
Bismarck Arrives
  • Did he plan this unification?
  • Didnt like Austrias tactics in the Bund
  • Knew it was important to keep on good terms with
    Russia
  • Learned that French power was more apparent than
    real.

10
11
Bismarck Arrives
  • British Conservative Benjamin Disraeli claims
    Bismarck said -
  • He was getting an army up and ready
  • Wanted a war with Austria
  • Wanted to dissolve the German Diet (German
    Assembly)
  • Achieve natural unity under Prussian control.
  • The authenticity of the Disraelis report is in
    doubt, but some historians use it to prove B
    planned it.

11
12
Bismarck Arrives
  • Was B an opportunist?
  • A.J.P Taylor argues that B just followed day to
    day policy, doing what was needed to get what he
    wanted.
  • Make sure you read p.3 of your question booklet.

12
13
Bismarck Arrives
  • King William wanted to improve the army but the
    Prussian Parliament kept blocking his demands for
    money to fund the improvements.
  • The King threatened to abdicate, alarming many
    ministers.
  • Minister of War, Von Roon, suggested getting B
    back from Paris to help solve the problem. The
    King eventually agrees and B returns as
    Chancellor.

13
14
Bismarck Arrives
  • Remember, B was not keen on liberal ideas, He
    wanted
  • The constitutional crisis resolved (See p.3 of
    question booklet)
  • Make Prussia more dominant than Austria in German
    affairs
  • Create a greater role for Prussia in European
    affairs
  • Maintain the position of the Junker ruling class
    (the Prussian nobility)

14
15
Bismarck Arrives
  • Realpolitik placing an emphasis on achieving
    realistic objectives rather than pursuing
    idealistic ambitions.
  • It was realistic and practical but with B it
    became ruthless and manipulative

15
16
Bismarck Arrives
  • B accepted that unification was going to happen
    but he wanted the monarchy at the head of it
  • Therefore, controlling the process of unification
    was crucial. It had to be a unified Germany,
    under Prussian control and the Prussian king at
    its head
  • B was willing to end relations with Austria

16
17
Bismarck Arrives
  • Blood and Iron speech
  • B wasnt going to wait or allow political parties
    or liberals to bring about unification.
  • He was going to ensure that Prussia would unify
    Germany under their terms using the army,
    financed by the industrial and economic strength
    of Prussia blood and iron.

17
18
Bismarck Arrives
  • B got the Army Budget through by stating that, as
    the constitution didnt have a provision for the
    resolution of a dispute between the King and
    Parliament, then the final decision rested with
    the King who could carry on and pass the Bill
    without government approval.

18
19
Army Reforms
  • An increase from 2 to 3 years full time army
    training for all men
  • An increase from 3 to 4 years in the reserves
  • Part time soldiers to be virtually abolished
  • An extra 49 regiments to be created
  • Extra 9 million Thalers (about 1.5 million) to
    be raised each year to cover costs!

19
20
Bismarcks Aims
  • B knew that a united Germany would please the
    Liberal middle class, but done under the control
    of the King and Chancellor would not be the way
    they would want it to happen. B decided to
    achieve unification via foreign affairs.
  • B got on Russias side by allowing them into
    Poland to find Polish rebels. This action by B is
    ironic as Poland also wanted to be an independent
    country, just like Germany, so B denies it to
    Poland so that Germany can get it!

20
21
Bismarcks Aims
  • Britain and France criticised B for allowing
    Russia into Poland. This criticism helped B as
    Russia could now see that Prussia was their only
    ally in Europe.
  • Note B did all of these things without the
    Diets approval, but the result convinced a few
    liberals that Bs plan of unifying Germany may
    actually work.

21
22
The Danish War
  • The first dispute was over two pieces of land
    owned by dukes, (duchies) called Schleswig and
    Holstein. Since 1848 there had been a clash
    between the rival forces of Danish and German
    nationalism both seeking to control Schleswig
    and Holstein. In 1863, the new Danish King,
    Christian IX, tried to make Schleswig part of
    Denmark but this was against the Treaty of
    London of 1852 which stated that Denmark would
    respect the autonomy of the two Duchies.
    Bismarck wanted to get the Duchies for Prussia
    to assert Prussian leadership in Germany but he
    knew that non-German countries like Britain,
    France and Russia would intervene if Prussia
    acted alone. Bismarck managed to get Austria to
    agree to a joint Austro-Prussian invasion of the
    Duchies. After a short war, Denmark was forced
    to give up the Duchies to Austria and Prussia.

22
23
The Danish War
23
24
The Danish War
  • The Schleswig-Holstein problem (1863-1865) was
    now solved and in 1865, Bismarck made a temporary
    settlement whereby Austria was to run Holstein
    and Prussia was to run Schleswig. This settlement
    was called The Convention of Gastein.
    Meanwhile, in April 1866, Bismarck made an
    alliance with Italy for a war with Austria within
    3 months and Italy would get Venetia as a reward.
    Bismarck was confident that Austria had few
    friends and that neither France nor Russia would
    come to her aid. He had also secured Frances
    word they would stay out of the conflict with
    Austria. Bismarck began to accuse Austria of not
    running Holstein properly and unleashed war on
    Austria. By June Prussian forces occupied
    Holstein and attacked Austria and any other
    German state which were fighting against Prussia.

24
25
The Danish War
  • Two benefits of the war with Denmark
  • Prussia was seen as a defender of independent
    states, but ironically, nationalism.
  • Outcome showed that the Army reforms have
    resulted in an efficient, powerful army, ready
    for future wars, leading to unification.

25
26
The Danish War
  • Got Austrias help so there wouldnt be a repeat
    of a previous attempt by Denmark to annex H S
    when Prussia acted alone and Austria told them to
    back down.
  • Isolated his enemy-
  • 1) B takes the lead Protector of German
    nationalism, not Austria (seen as just a land
    grabber ).
  • 2) GB not in a position to help as it would be
    a war on the ground not at sea. Also Queen
    Victoria was keen for it to happen
  • 3) FR Too busy in Mexico!
  • 4) Russia Indifferent and friends with B.
  • (Pupils should do something with the 4 points on
    p.4 of question booklet)

26
27
Austro-Prussian War
  • Make sure pupils copy the quotes and use them
    in essays
  • Difference of opinions - B. Keen to annex the two
    territories. Austria fate should be decided by
    the Bund.
  • B not ready for a war as his diplomatic and
    military preparations were incomplete and he had
    to play for time. Treaty of Gastein Patched up
    difference. This would settle things down long
    enough for B to finish his preparations.
  • Master stroke ? Austria look like land
    grabbers See P.119 of textbook. I have never
    really understood this as B wanted to annex them
    not Austria.
  • More importantly, Prussia controlled Austrias
    access to Holstein.

27
28
The isolation of Austria
  • Why France isolated i.e. neutral? B knew France
    wanted Germany to remain divided. Also Fr had
    ambitions for taken over southern states.
  • How Isolated? met Napoleon III at Biarritz.
    Napoleon convinced that if Fr remained neutral,
    then Fr would have territorial compensation
    wherever French is spoken!
  • B claims he never promised this.
  • GB will not interfere. Not a naval battle
  • Russia not friends with Austria.

28
29
Isolation of Austria
  • B sought an ally to show other European countries
    that this was not a civil war between two German
    powers. Therefore, these countries would stay
    out of it.
  • Italy Chosen because 1) Italy saw Austria as a
    barrier to full unification due to Austria still
    in charge of Venetia. 2) Austrian war with Italy
    and Prussia meant a war on two fronts.

29
30
Isolation of Austria
  • B had to act quickly because of Italian
    conditions-
  • Alliance with Italy last 3 months only
  • Austria had to declare war
  • Italy declare war after Prussia declares war
  • Italy would get Venetia afterwards

30
31
Isolation od Austria
  • B wanted elections to the Bund by universal male
    suffrage! Welcomed by Liberals!
  • Rejected by all other German States.
  • These states looked like reactionaries
  • B Looked like a Liberal light!
  • Discuss top right of P5 of booklet

31
32
Isolation of Austria
  • Austrias actions
  • Austria angry about B access to Holstein
  • Austria mobilise before Prussian army because
    they knew their army was inferior.
  • Austria mobilises also because Italy moved troops
    to Austrian border
  • This made Austria look like the aggressor
    therefore not getting any sympathy, especially
    when Austria refused to be part of a Conference
    to stop any war.

32
33
War with Austria
  • On 14th June 1866 Austria declared war on
    Prussia. The Southern states sided with Austria.
    Austria were almost forced into it.
  • B issued ultimatums to Southern States to either
    join Prussia or be considered enemies. They all
    sided with Austria. The Austro Prussian war
    began.
  • B kept nationalists happy by portraying Prussia
    as fighting to establish a modern unified German
    state.

33
34
War with Austria
  • Resistance of small states weak compared to might
    of Prussian army.
  • Italy kept Austrian troops distracted in the
    south, which helped Prussia with the only real
    battle of the war Battle of Koniggratz (or
    Sadowa) on 3 July 1866
  • A stunning victory for Prussia. Modern
    Army/Railways/ Telegraph.

34
35
War with Austria
  • B wanted the war to be concluded quickly and get
    a lenient peace treaty. B wanted to avoid
    wounding Austria. B had achieved his aim of
    pushing Austrians out of German affairs. A quick
    treaty would also end the threat of a French
    invasion and Italian defeat.
  • Treaty of Prague 23 August 1866.

35
36
War with Austria
  • Main parts of the Treaty-
  • Austria to give Venetia to Italy
  • Austria expelled from Bund. Lost no land and paid
    only a small compensation.
  • 21 States north of River Main came under Prussian
    leadership and formed North German Confederation.
  • Southern states could remain independent, but
    were forced to pay money to Prussia. They were
    also forced into military alliances with Prussia.

36
37
War with Austria
  • Other consequences of Austro Prussian war
  • French power reduced
  • B now regarded as a national hero. Even Liberals
    forgive him and reward him 60,000!
  • See Feuchtwangers Quote, P123

37
38
Franco-Prussia war
  • B Realised that the best way to get the southern
    states to unify with the NGC would be to create
    an enemy who would threaten the southern states
    and they would look to Prussia for protection.
    That enemy would be France.
  • See Quote P.124

38
39
Background to the war
  • Tensions between France and Prussia-
  • Napoleon III annoyed he hadnt been rewarded for
    staying neutral in the Austro-Prussian war. B
    got Napoleon to write out his demands. B leaked
    demands to press and the southern states were
    furious that spme of their land would be given to
    France. Southern states joined with Prussia for
    protection. B now got southern states within his
    control and Fr angered.

39
40
Spanish Candidature. Ems Telegram
  • (See Pp. 124 126). Also listen to Mr
    Davidsons summing up. We may also have time to
    watch AJP Taylor.
  • Great example of B taking advantage of situations
    that arise.
  • See D Thompson quote, P. 124
  • The upshot of the EMS telegram incident is that
    France declared war on Prussia, yet again making
    Prussia look like the innocent defender.
    Southern states joined with Prussia and Prussia
    won a decisive victory over the French.

40
41
Outcome of Franco-Prussian war
  • 18 January 1871, in the hall of Mirrors in the
    palace of Versailles, William I, King of Prussia
    was proclaimed German Emperor. Emperor of a
    united Germany.
  • France suffered a harsh peace treaty. A fact
    that explains why France enacted such a harsh
    treaty on Germany in 1918.

41
42
Importance of B in unification
  • Different views
  • In the past, Generally accepted that B alone
    responsible
  • Recently, views have changed-
  • Williamson B exploited forces which already
    existed economic, liberalism and nationalism
  • Mosse Bs task was made easier by circumstances

42
43
Importance of B in unification
  • Medlicott Bs admirers exaggerated the extent
    of the obstacles in his path
  • Aronson B was an opportunist
  • Stiles B used flexible policies
  • Eyck Unification was a natural and desirable
    development, ie it was going to happen
  • Seaman it was Prussias economic power that
    really got the unification process completed.

43
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