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19th Century Europe Unification of Germany and Italy
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The Unification of Italy and Germany
Giuseppe Garibaldi Otto Von Bismarck
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German Reich 1st Reich- Charlemagne 2nd Reich- Otto Von Bismarck
3rd Reich- Adolf Hitler
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German States in 1815
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Background to German Unification
Before the French Revolution, there were more than 300 German states. Prussia and Austria were the largest. The Congress of Vienna reduced the number of German states to 39. The smaller number of German states encouraged Nationalism and Patriotism among these German states.
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Barriers to German Unification
France preferred 39 weak states to one nation. Austria knew Prussia was most powerful state. Rulers of smaller states feared loss of power in a united Germany. There was a lot of Protestant/Catholic hostility. There were economic differences between western industrial states and agricultural eastern states.
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Factors Encouraging German Unification
Congress of Vienna called for the creation of a German Confederation which was made up of 39 states. This increased trade, reduce problems of too many state governments; taxes, coinage and postal system. Confederation – loose union of states Zollverein- a tariff union created to increase trade and reduce problems of individual state government, taxes, coinage and postal system
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Otto Von Bismarck United Germany
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Bismarck was the leader of Prussia
Master of Realpolitik Decisions are not based on ideological or moral considerations; decisions should be based on self-interest. Stood for Absolutism Divine Right Monarchy Did not trust people or democracy Protestant Lutheran Church Persecuted national and religious minorities, especially Catholics Made socialism illegal But improved working conditions Tried to isolate France by making friendships with Austria and Russia
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A German Nation is Forged
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Bismarck’s Policy of “Blood and Iron”
“The great questions of the day (meaning German unification) will not be settled by speeches and majority decisions… but by blood and iron.”
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Otto von Bismarck The “Iron Chancellor” led Prussia into 3 wars…
Schleswig & Holstein Conflict 1864 Austro-Prussian War 1866 Franco-Prussian War 1870 “Realpolitik” or politics driven by the needs of the state
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Schleswig and Holstein Conflict 1864
The Deal: Schleswig & Holstein were two provinces, largely inhabited by Germans, but controlled by Denmark. Bismarck used the Prussian and Austrian Army to liberate the provinces of Schleswig and Holstein from Denmark. The Results: After a brief war, the two provinces were liberated. Austria controls Holstein Prussia controls Schleswig
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Schleswig and Holstein Conflict 1864
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Austro-Prussian War 1866 The Deal:
Bismarck waged war with Austria, which lasted seven weeks Ended in a decisive Prussian victory Prussia annexed Holstein and several other north German states. The Results Bismarck dissolved the Austrian-led German confederation and created a new, North German Confederation led by Prussia A master of Realpolitik, he did not enforce harsh terms. He allowed Austria to remain independent. “We had to avoid leaving behind any desire for revenge.”
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Franco-Prussian War 1870 Napoleon III (nephew of Napoleon) ruled France and was worried by the Prussian Victory against Austria In the meantime, there was growing rivalry over Spanish vacant throne
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Franco-Prussian War The Deal:
A relative of the Prussian King was offered the Spanish throne France protested– they feared of being surrounded on both sides by Prussia Bismarck rallied Germans against Napoleon III and France It had been sixty years since Napoleon Bonaparte’s invasion, but not forgotten Ems Dispatch, a rewritten press telegram, said King Wilhelm I had insulted Frenchmen Napoleon III declared war on Prussia Superior Prussian troops smashed the poorly organized French soldiers The Results Napoleon III surrendered France had to accept humiliating peace
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Franco-Prussian War
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The German Empire Wilhelm I (William) of Prussia became Kaiser of Germany. (Emperor of Germany) A constitution drafted by Bismarck set up a two-house legislature. Bundesrat- upper house Reichstag-lower house
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Kulturkampf Battle between Church and State
Goal: put loyalty to the state above the church Fighting against Pope Pius IX ( )
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Bismarck’s Reaction to the Church
To retaliate Bismarck against the Church, he passed a few laws: gave the state the right to supervise church education and appointment of priests expelled the Jesuits couples had to be married civilly
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Catholic Reaction Bismarck’s plan backfired
He underestimated the people’s devotion to the church Being practical, he made peace with the Church
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Social Legislation Bismarck saw a threat to the new Germany in Socialists. Bismarck banned socialist newspapers and meetings. He did however… Set up health insurance If sick up to thirteen weeks of health insurance institute disability insurance Institute Old Age Insurance if you were 70 years or older (unable to work)
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Italian Unification
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What is Nationalism? Nationalism is a feeling of belonging and loyalty that causes people to think of themselves as a nation. It sometimes leads to conflict.
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Nationalism Nationalism can be a cause of war (WWI & WWII)
It has encouraged colonies to seek independence from their colonizers. (India, Indonesia, & African countries)
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Italy before Napoleon Italy was split into many provinces.
Each province had their own ruler, language, and identity.
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Italy during Napoleon’s Reign
Napoleon unified them after his invasion. Congress of Vienna: wanted Italy to remain split (Balance of Power)
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Italy United,
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Italian City States After the Congress of Vienna, Italy was divided into 9 states: Piedmont-Sardinia (the largest state) Venetia and Lombardy belonged to Austria the Pope ruled the Papal States in central Italy the other states were ruled by foreign princes under Austrian control
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Barriers to Italian Nationalism
Geography - mountains split Italy West and East; the Po river, North and South Illiteracy – as most of the population could not read and write, nationalistic propaganda was difficult to spread The Pope - felt a united Italy would lessen his rights in the papal states Lack of Consensus - Italian states disagreed on a leader and type of government
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Giuseppe Mazzini “Prophet of Italian Unification”
1830s founded Young Italy-- a secret society, goal was to unite Italy and establish one, free, independent, republican nation Reasons: common language and shared traditions, economically it would end trade barriers, encourage railroad building, and stimulate industry
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Count Camillo Cavour Appointed Prime Minister of Sardinia by Victor Emmanuel II Was a conservative and followed Realpolitik Improved agriculture, built railroads, and encouraged free trade United Northern Italy
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Giuseppe Garibaldi, “The Sword of Italian Unification”
Nationalist and ally of Mazzini Garibaldi first invaded Sicily, then urged them to join Piedmont-Sardinia under the leadership of Victor Emmanuel. Garibaldi handed over all conquered lands to Victor Emmanuel.
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Victor Emmanuel II
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Problems Faced by a United Italy
Victor Emmanuel II, King of Italy is a constitutional monarch. Right to vote is limited to upper and middle class property holders. Many Catholics refuse to participate in new nation (as did the Pope). Bribery and corruption were frequent in poor, uneducated lower classes. Some Italian speaking areas were not united with the central government. Some felt Italy should become a world power and fight for colonies. Italy lacked industrial development, agriculture, and natural resources. Prices were high, people could not afford manufactured goods.
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Garibaldi And Victor Emmanuel "Right Leg in the Boot at Last"
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Papal States Were the last to be turned over to King Victor Emmanuel II Pope urged Catholics to not support the government Popes were granted the Vatican City as a bribe
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