German Unification Flashcards
Intro
In 1815 the Napoleonic Wars ended & the German Confederation was formed bringing together 39 German states. During the 1800s there was an increase in nationalist feeling across the states. States were linked by a shared language & made economic links during this time also. In 1871 the German Empire was declared in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.
Line of Argument
It is clear that Bismarck was the main reason why unification happened however, it is also necessary to examine factors such as Prussian military strength, Prussian economic strength & the decline of Austria.
Role of Bismarck - Knowledge
Became Minister President of Prussia in 1862
- Allowed him to break deadlock concerning army reforms between King Wilhelm & Liberals in Prussian parliament
Reforms included an increase in army conscription & introduction of new battle tactics
Bismarck’s methods known as Realpolitik
- Willing to do what was necessary to achieve aims
Evident in Schleswig Holstein dispute
- Convinced Austria to help fight against Denmark, after achieving victory he made it difficult for Austria to access their territory of Holstein
- Intention to provoke them into a war which would weaken their influence
Role of Bismarck - Analysis For
Able to strengthen Prussia under his leadership & weaken their enemies. This made states more willing to join a united Prussia under their leadership because they could see the benefits of working with, instead of against, this powerful state.
Role of Bismarck - Analysis Against
Suggested that the strength of nationalist feelings after 1866 would have led to German unification under its own steam. Nationalist sentiments had been growing long before Bismarck was appointed which may have meant he simply sped up the process rather than being solely responsible for it which limits this argument.
Role of Bismarck - Evaluation
Successfully isolated other countries by making them look like aggressors which in turn strengthened Prussian support.
Prussian Military Strength - Knowledge
Prussian army very sophisticated for its time
- General Helmuth von Moltke was the head of the army & has been described as an ‘organisational genius’ with his careful planning & understanding of battle tactics
In the war against Austria, Prussia gained the upper hand through the use of the needle gun which killed thousands of Austrians within 30 minutes
War against France
- Artillery used against French at Sedan
Heavy artillery threw volleys every 3 minutes destroying regiments, battalions & regiments of men
Prussian Military Strength - Analysis For
Led to victories in battle against Denmark, Austria & France. These were crucial events in the move towards German states uniting & many states who had once been opposed to unification realised the benefits of joining a united Germany led by Prussia. The strength of their military would help ensure German dominance.
Prussian Military Strength - Analysis Against
Workings of Bismarck that ensured its power. He believed ‘iron & blood’ was the stance that Germany should take & so put pressure on the Prussian parliament for military reform. Without this, they would not have been as powerful.
Prussian Military Strength - Evaluation
Jonathon Steinberg describes von Moltke as the general Bismarck could not outmanoeuvre.
Role of Bismarck more important as historian Williamson states “Bismarck knowingly risked war, even though he probably hoped to avoid it, as there appeared no other way of accepting the unification of Germany.”
Prussian Economic Strength - Knowledge
Prussia became most industrialised state in Germany
- Less regulation for coal & iron industries which saw them producing 5x more coal & iron that Austria
Railway network was vast, creating jobs & tax revenue which went towards improving Prussia
Prussia successfully set up Zollverein which was a customs union that 25 out of the 39 German states became a part of
Economic Strength - Analysis For
Increased Prussia’s dominance. Their railways gave the military the upper hand, with soldiers often arriving in enemy territory before opposition had mobilised. Strong economy essential to winning wars which moved Germany closer to unification. Additionally, economic union of Zollverein made political union between the states the next natural step.
Economic Strength - Analysis Against
May have created some division. Some states, growing concerned at strength of Prussia, may have been driven to support Austria instead who were firmly against unification.
Economic Strength - Evaluation
Economic ties that other states had with Prussia meant they followed their lead when it came to unification.
Bismarck more important as even when King Wilhelm was reluctant to unite with other states because they disputed whether he would have the title German Emperor, Bismarck was able to convince the King to take the position.
Decline of Austria - Knowledge
Power declined after 1850
Lost key ally when failed to support Prussia in Crimean war
Economy in decline, Denube not as central as Rhine for trade & indistry was inefficient
Defeated in Seven Weeks War & signed Treaty of Prague which established North German Confederation & made Austria promise to stay out of German affairs
