26.2 Unification of Germany 1.Explain the political situation in the German Confederation in 1815 39 Independent states 2. Who were the main powers? Prussia.

26.2 Unification of Germany1. Explain the political situation in the German

Confederation in 1815

39 Independent states

2. Who were the main powers?

Prussia and

Austria

3. What did Austria fear about a unified Germany?

• Economic competition4. What did the smaller states fear about a

unified Germany?• Prussian Domination; smaller states

would lose independence 5. How was this situation similar to Italy? • Many independent states; cultural and

economic differences make unification difficult

6. How did the Prussian aristocracy try to aid the unification process?

• Junkers (Yunkers) –rising business class; created an economic union = Zollervein

• Reduce tariffs and create standard currency, weights and prices.

7. What was King William I’s (Kaiser Wilhelm) plan to strengthen Prussia and work toward a unified Germany?

• Increase taxes

to create larger military

8. Why was his plan defeated? • Prussian Assembly (legislative body) refuse to raise

taxes

9. Who did King William I appoint to that would help implement this plan?

• Otto von Bismarck• Chancellor (Prime Minister)

10. What does the phrase “The ends justifies the means” mean? (answer is not in text)

• “ends” = goal• “means” = methods to achieve goal• It doesn’t matter how I achieve my goal – as

long as I achieve it.

11. Define Realpolitik- the right of the state to pursue its own advantage by any means including war and the repudiation of treaties.

12. Make a connection b/w #10 and #11

13. Consider Bismarck’s quote “ not by speeches and majority decisions….but by blood and iron” In the context of the paragraph, what did he mean and

why did he say it? • to get funding

needed for military (by pass

the legislature and used

previous years budget. )

• Example of Realpolitik

14. What does this tell you about the rest of his political philosophies?

15. How does Bismarck represent the idea that “the ends justify the means”

“SHOW ME AN OBJECTIVE WORTHY OF WAR AND I WILL GO ALONG WITH YOU”

• 3 Wars: 3 Goals:– money for expanded army– reduce Austrian influence in German states– unite all German states except Austria and

Switzerland under Prussian control

• Danish War – Prussia allies with Austria to defeat Denmark – gain control of 2 states with majority German population

• 7 Weeks War – Austria allied with smaller German States (who opposed Bismarck and unification) – Prussia wins – increases its power over German Confederation

• Franco-Prussian War 1870-1871

• Final step to unify

• Bismarck “NEEDED” a war to unify the interests of all German states

• Chose France – long time rivals

• Issue of Spanish Throne – King William I’s cousin was in line to inherit throne of Spain

So what’s the problem?

• France asks King William I to not allow this to happen

• During negotiations – King William writes to Bismarck to inform him that he denied France’s request

• Bismarck edited the letter to make it appear that the French ambassador had insulted the King and that the King had insulted the French

• released it to the press

• "The Ems Telegram should have the desired effect of waving a red cape in front of the face of the Gallic [French] Bull."

• Example of Realpolitik• Result? • France declares war• German states who feared Prussian dominance had

two choices- • Unify with Prussia and defeat France • Or be defeated and controlled by France• German states join Prussia and defeat France • Germany = unified as German Empire