Unification of Germany Flashcards
(21 cards)
What type of monarchy was Prussia?
Prussia was an absolute monarchy with a strong military tradition.
Who held supreme authority in Prussia?
The King (later Kaiser) held supreme authority.
What was established by the constitution of 1848 in Prussia?
The constitution established the Landtag (Parliament), but the King controlled key decisions.
What role did Otto von Bismarck hold in Prussia?
Otto von Bismarck, as Chancellor, held immense political power.
What was the state of Germany before 1871?
Before 1871, Germany was a collection of independent states.
What event led to the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire?
The Holy Roman Empire collapsed in 1806.
Which were the most powerful German-speaking states?
Austria and Prussia were the most powerful German-speaking states.
What did nationalists want regarding German states?
Nationalists wanted to unite these states into a single Germany.
What were Bismarck’s political skills?
Bismarck was a master of diplomacy and realpolitik, using war and alliances strategically to unify Germany.
What did Bismarck fear about socialism?
Bismarck opposed socialism, fearing it would weaken German unity.
What was the ‘Blood and Iron’ speech?
The ‘Blood and Iron’ speech emphasized the importance of military force and strong leadership in unifying Germany rather than relying on debates and diplomacy.
What was the Zollverein?
The Zollverein was a customs union that united German states economically under Prussian leadership.
What was the outcome of the Austro-Prussian War?
Prussia’s victory in the Austro-Prussian War (1866) led to Austria’s exclusion from German affairs.
What were the causes of German unification?
Causes included nationalism, economic growth through the Zollverein, military strength of Prussia, industrialization, and Bismarck’s leadership.
What strategy did Bismarck use for unification?
Bismarck’s strategy was called ‘Blood and Iron’, meaning war and industry were key to success.
What were the three wars that united Germany?
- Danish War (1864) – Prussia and Austria defeated Denmark.
- Austro-Prussian War (1866) – Prussia defeated Austria and took control of northern Germany.
- Franco-Prussian War (1870-71) – Prussia defeated France, leading to full unification.
When was the German Empire ratified?
The German Empire was ratified on January 18, 1871, in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles.
What did the ratification of the German Empire signify?
It united 25 German states into a single empire under Prussian leadership, ending French dominance in Europe.
What was France’s immediate reaction to the German victory?
France was humiliated, lost Alsace and Lorraine, and was forced to pay 5 billion francs in war reparations.
What alliances formed in response to military tensions?
Germany formed the Triple Alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy, while France formed the Triple Entente with Russia and Britain.
What was the result of the arms race in Europe?
By the early 1900s, Europe was divided into two hostile alliances, setting the stage for WWI.
