1. Today’s Warm Up Turn in your homework & pick up the new warm up/exit ticket sheet by the turn-in tray. Answer the following question: What do you notice about Germany on this map? List and describe at least two observations.

2. Today’s LEQ(s): How did wars lead to the unification of a Germany? Did German unification pave the way towards WWI? German Unification

3. Main Idea Germany was not a unified nation in 1848 In the late 1800s, Otto von Bismarck transformed Germany from a loose confederation of separate states into a powerful empire.

4. Steps Toward Unification The Revolution of 1848 – Inspired by French Revolution & desire for united Germany, Germans revolt against Prussian King, Frederick Wilhelm IV – At first, the king agrees to democratic reform, but later breaks promises Economic, Cultural Unity – Germans create the Zollverein, an economic alliance between German states – German economy growing; sense of German culture growing as well

5. Bismarck’s Plan for Germany Otto von Bismarck, conservative politician, leading force behind German unification 1862, new Prussian king, Wilhelm I, chose Bismarck as prime minister Very conservative Believed Prussia destined to lead German people to unification Practiced realpolitik, policies based on interests of Prussia Bismarck’s Philosophy Speech to Parliament: German unity not won by speeches, majority vote but by “blood and iron” Built Prussian army into great war machine “Blood and Iron”

6. Bismarck’s First War In 1864, Bismarck formed military alliance with Austria against Denmark in a dispute over land Both believed two border states, Schleswig and Holstein should be controlled by German Confederation After brief fight, Denmark lost; Austria took Holstein, Prussia took Schleswig Now Austria held territory within Prussia’s borders

7. Austro-Prussian War Bismarck could not unite Germany with Austria in the way Provoked Austria into war High skilled and well-equipped Prussian army easily defeated the Austrians

8. Franco-Prussian War Unified Germany Southern German states still not included in North German Confederation; it would take another war Nationalism in South 1870, more conflict over land! This time with France over disputed Alsace, Lorraine territory Issue sparked nationalistic feelings in south German states Peace Treaty Southern states supported Prussia, north German states in war with France 1871, Bismarck won Franco-Prussian War Peace treaty declared unification of Germany; Germany gains disputed territories

9. Creating the German Empire Peace treaty had far-reaching consequences Victory established unified German empire with Wilhelm I as first kaiser (emperor) and Bismarck first chancellor German victory changed balance of power in Europe – Napoleon III gone; France no longer as powerful – As Germany grew economically, new empire rose in power

10. The Years After Unification Bismarck not interested in further expanding Germany’s borders but believed France was still a threat To counteract threat, he entered multiple alliances with other nations including Austria- Hungary, Italy, and Russia Bismarck fired after Wilhelm II comes to power Wilhelm II continued forming alliances and built up most powerful military in Europe

11. Did German unification cause WWI? Analyzing Different Historical Perspectives: Jigsaw Activity You will be working in of 3 to analyze several different historical perspectives Each group member will cover a specific historical perspective then report back to the group Fill out the corresponding chart Think, Ink, Share: Which historian do you agree with the most and why?

12. Today’s Exit Ticket Answer on your warm up/exit ticket sheet: Imagine you are a reporter and are about to interview Otto von Bismarck. Write three short questions you would ask him about German unification.