The Unification of Germany Mr. Love Chapter 25 Section 2 World HIS III

Prussia as Leader  Mid 1800’s - Germany is a patchwork of independent states. (each state had own laws and rulers)  Prussia was defeated by Napoleon I in Prussia built up their army and defeated Napoleon I in  They gained much of their power back.  In 1815, the German states formed the German Confederation at the Congress of Vienna.  Prussia v. Austria – two most powerful states

The Zollverein  A class of aristocratic landholders named the Junkers were able to get rid of tariffs between states. Allowed for free trade between states. The customs union became known as the Zollverein.  Created like policies in each state – trade, currency and economy.  Made the confederation of states much more unified.

Bismark and Prussian Strength  In 1861 William I became King of Prussia. The next year he appoints Otto Von Bismark to head the Prussian cabinet.  Bismark built the army into a powerful war machine.  He used whatever policies needed to achieve his plans.

Wars of Unification  The Danish War – Denmark tried to claim lands that did not belong to them. Prussia and Austria declared war on Denmark and won easily  The Seven Weeks’ War – Prussia fought Austria over territory collected from the Danish War. Prussia wins easily in 7 weeks. Go figure.  Treaty of Prague ends war and many northern states join with Prussia

Wars of Unification  The Franco-Prussian War – Bismark persuades the French to declare war against Prussia. This effectively unifies the North with the South. Prussia wins and gains more territory.

Formation of the German Empire  In 1871, the German states dissolved to create the German Empire. The King of Prussia became the kaiser, or king of Germany.  Legislative branch consisted of two houses.  Bundesrat – upper house – held most power  Reichstag – lower house – held little power

Review  State which led the unification process  PRUSSIA  Means by which unification was achieved  Strong military machine  Fighting 3 successful wars  Major Factors leading to unification  German Nationalism, Zollverein and Bismark’s Prussian Army.