Germany Strengthens Preview Main Idea / Reading Focus Steps Toward Unification Bismarck’s Plan for Germany Quick Facts: Steps to Unification in Germany Faces of History: Otto von Bismarck Unification and Empire

Germany Strengthens Preview, continued Map: The Unification of Germany The Empire’s Growth and Change Quick Facts: Germany’s Economic Growth

Germany Strengthens Main Idea Reading Focus As the Franco-Prussian war came to an end, the leaders of Europe gathered at Versailles. The era of French domination had ended. Germany was now the dominant power in Europe. Reading Focus How did Germany become an industrial giant? Why was Bismarck called the Iron Chancellor ? What were the policies of Kaiser William II?

Nationalism Triumphs in Europe Section 2: Germany Strengthens Witness History Audio: The New German Empire Germany Becomes and Industrial Giant Unified Germany’s natural resources and educated workforce led to fast industrial development. The coordination of railroads and reorganization of the banking system improved the economy. Scientists developed new products for industrial uses. Note Taking Transparency 139 The Iron Chancellor German chancellor Otto von Bismarck tried to stifle opposition from within Germany. He wanted Catholics to put the state above the Church and had laws passed that allowed the state control over Catholic education and expelled the Jesuits from Prussia, among other things. To keep socialists at bay, he banned their newspapers and meetings. In the end, both groups rallied enough support to cause Bismarck to change his ways. Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals. After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What is the main idea of von Treitschke’s article?” (The territories of Alsace and Lorraine rightfully belong to Germany.) “What does this suggest about the newly united Germany?” (that it will try to grow in size and power) When showing Color Transparency 132, ask “What does this painting indicate about Bismarck’s role in Germany’s new position in Europe?” (He will play a central role.) “What generalization can be made about the predominance of military uniforms in the scene?” (Military strength was important.) 1 of 5

Economic Growth Railroads Industrial Growth Path to Social Reforms After unification, Germany experienced time of economic growth France had paid reparations—money for war damages German leaders used some money to build railroads to link German states Industrial Growth Other funds helped build German businesses New empire began to catch up with other industrialized countries of Europe Coal mines, steel factories flourished in Germany’s major cities Path to Social Reforms Industrialization had critics in Germany German socialists protested against harsh factory conditions Called for state control of all industries

The Empire’s Growth and Change In the years after 1871, Germany prospered. Under the leadership of Wilhelm I and Bismarck, Germany developed into a strong empire. This period was known as the Second Reich, or empire, because Germans considered the Holy Roman Empire to be the First Reich. Germany’s 25 separate states wanted to retain some power Government took federalist form; power shared between state, national governments, Wilhelm led government Political parties developed A New Government Bismarck believed Roman Catholic Church posed threat to government Believed government, not church, should control aspects of culture, like education Worked to restrict influence of Catholic Church in Germany Government and the Church This struggle between the government and the church was known as Kulturkampf, which means “the struggle for culture.”

Bismarck tried to destroy socialism Legislation Bismarck tried to destroy socialism Blamed socialists for two assassination attempts on emperor Sought to reduce appeal of socialism by enacting own reforms 1880s, pushed through legislation providing benefits for: Health Accidents Old age Disability

Nationalism Triumphs in Europe Section 2: Germany Strengthens Kaiser William II In a bid for absolute power, the new Kaiser, William II, asked Bismarck to resign. His nationalism and military buildup increased the tensions that led to World War I. Witness History Audio: Kaiser William II Color Transparency 132: The Proclamation of Wilhem as Kaiser of the New German Reich Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals. After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What is the main idea of von Treitschke’s article?” (The territories of Alsace and Lorraine rightfully belong to Germany.) “What does this suggest about the newly united Germany?” (that it will try to grow in size and power) When showing Color Transparency 132, ask “What does this painting indicate about Bismarck’s role in Germany’s new position in Europe?” (He will play a central role.) “What generalization can be made about the predominance of military uniforms in the scene?” (Military strength was important.) QuickTake Section Quiz Progress Monitoring Transparency 2 of 5

Bismarck and Wilhelm II After Unification Bismarck did not want to expand Germany’s borders Believed France remained a threat, however Alliances Bismarck made alliances with Austria-Hungary, Italy, Russia Nations agreed to help protect one another from possible attack Bismarck Out 1888, Wilhelm’s grandson became kaiser Wilhelm II fired Bismarck as prime minister after disagreement Wilhelm II Early 1900s, continued to make alliances with other European nations Built up most powerful military force in Europe

Describe How did Germany change both economically and politically in the years following unification? Answer(s): vote was given to all men over 25, political parties developed, economic growth as Germany caught up with other European industrial economies, new alliances with other nations, Kulturkampf limited influence of Catholic Church

Nationalism Triumphs In Europe: Section 2 Note Taking Transparency 139 3 of 5

Nationalism Triumphs In Europe: Section 2 Progress Monitoring Transparency 5 of 5