1. 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

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

3. 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?

4. 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.)
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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

6. 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.”

9. 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

11. 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
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12. 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

14. 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

15. Nationalism Triumphs In Europe: Section 2
Note Taking Transparency 139
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16. Nationalism Triumphs In Europe: Section 2
Progress Monitoring Transparency
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