1. Unification of Germany background

2. The Congress of Vienna 1815 the peace settlement after the Napoleonic wars redrew the political map of Europe main power brokers: Austria, Britain, Russia, Prussia and France (created spheres of influence)spheres of influence The Congress of Vienna was the first of a series of international meetings that came to be known as the Concert of Europe, which was an attempt to forge a peaceful balance of power in EuropeConcert of Europebalance of power

3. The German ConfederationGerman Confederation consisting of 39 German states, was established in 1815 and lasted until 1866. coordinate the economies of separate German- speaking countries. act as a buffer between the powerful states of Austria and Prussia. Britain wanted stable power in central Europe that could discourage aggression by France or Russia. Prussia is the largest kingdom, followed by Austria. Each seeks to block each other within the confederation.

4. Zollverein a customs union established in 1834 on the initiative of Prussia. Most other German states joined, but Prussia has leading role. Austria excluded. Under the absolute monarch Frederick William IV (r. 1840 – 1861), Prussia was a becoming an economic and political power. Economic forces were starting to change the political status quo. A new Germany excluding Austria was becoming a reality.

5. First attempt at unification: Frankfurt Assembly May 1848-June 1849. Inspired by revolution of 1848 in France. German liberals in the national parliament push for reforms, constitutional monarchy and unification The assembly was populated by liberal middle class civil servants, lawyers, and intellectuals. Delegates from all German states except Austria, Schleswig and Holstein. However, after drawing the boundaries for a German state and offering the crown to Frederick Wilhelm, the Kaiser refused in March 1849, because it was offered “from the gutter” not from German princes.

6. Frederick William IV was replaced by William I in 1861. William I wanted a larger army, which meant bigger defense budget through taxes. The Prussian assembly rejected the king’s military budget of 1862. Triumph for the liberals who wanted less militaristic society. Also wanted to establish parliament’s power over the kings. (deadlock between conservatives and liberals).

7. Bismarck William calls upon Otto von Bismarck to defy parliament, which he does. Prussian voters not happy; elect large liberal majority to Parliament. Bismarck looks for success abroad War with Denmark War with Austria War with France

8. Evaluate Bismarck’s use of war as an instrument of policy between 1862 – 1890.

9. The German Reich under Bismarck A federal union of Prussia and 24 smaller states. Everyday business conducted by separates states, but there was a strong central government (with Bismarck as chancellor until 1890) and a popularly elected parliament called Reichstag. Bismarck refused to be bound by a parliamentary majority, but tried to maintain one. Until 1878 Bismarck relied mainly on the National Liberals who supported economic and legal unification of the country.

10. Bismarck’s tries to reduce the political and social influence of the Catholic Church through a series of discriminatory laws that made Catholics feel persecuted within a predominantly Protestant nation. In 1871, Bismarck sought to appeal to liberals and Protestants who questioned the loyalty of the Catholics (Pope or Germany?) The program backfired; Catholics became a political force in the Centre party. In 1878 Bismarck retreats; wins Centre party support on most of his conservative policy positions, especially his attacks against Socialism. Bismarck’s”Kulturkampf ” Anti-Catholic legislation 1871 - 1878

11. Additional measures Enacted high tariffs on grain which made small farmers in western and southern Germany happy; but also large land-holding Junkers in the east. Bismarck wins conservative (Junkers’) and Catholic (southern Germany’s) support. Outlaws Social Democrats in 1878. Bismarck despised socialism. Enacts new social legislation to win working class support.

12. Bismarck the opportunist He was not a German nationalist His main goal was to replace Austria as the dominant power in Germany and then to assert Prussian domination in Europe He came gradually to the conclusion that the union of Germany was not only possible but necessary. he feared that German liberals would eventually create a united liberal Germany in which Prussia would be dominated by the liberals. If he united Germany, he would win the support of those liberals who were also nationalists, and the liberal strength would be weakened.

13. Industrialism and imperialism Unification facilitated the German industrial revolution – soon out-producing Britain. As well as making Germany powerful, industrialization also brought the growth of socialism. Industrialization, and the depression of the 1870s, were powerful incentives for Bismarck to support protectionism and a colonial policy. Thus the German colonies in Africa were acquired: South West Africa, modern Namibia; West Africa - Togo and Cameroon; East Africa - Burundi, Rwanda and Tanganyika. In 1873, Germans occupied the first of the Caroline Islands in the Pacific. "

14. Possible threats to peace: 1.France hoping to avenge the loss of Alsace- Lorraine 2.Competition for overseas colonies. 3.Competition between Austria and Russia in the Balkans 4.Possible war between Italy and Austria over South Tyrol which Italy claimed, but was held by Austria 1873 Three Emperors’ League – Austria, Germany and Russia (agree to consult each other if disagreement arises or if one becomes involved in war)

15. Foreign Policy 1875 War scare with France Article appears in Berlin newspaper ”Is war in sight?” most likely planted by Bismarck. Many governments grew alarmed. Bismarck says it was a false alarm. Tensions were raised among European powers. An attempt to test France? to encourage the other European powers to pressure France not to implement a set of military reforms?

16. 1878 Congress of Berlin Bismarck plays the role of peace-keeper between Russia and Austria-Hungary Russia’s victories over the Ottoman Empire in The Russo-Turkish War of 1877 -1878 threatened the balance of Austrian and Russian interests in the Balkans and the Russian and British interests in the Middle East. Result: Russia has to agree to a ”smaller Bulgaria” angering Russian nationalists. Austria gains right to administer Bosnia. Britain got Cyprus.

17. Alliances ”in case of war” The Dual Alliance 1879 Bismarck enters alliance with Austria. They promise military assistance in case Russia attacks. The Second Dreikeiserbund 1881 Germany, Austria and Russia promise neutrality of any one of the three go to war against a 4th country, except for the Ottoman Empire.