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The Unification of Germany
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I.) The German States in 1815

• Congress of Vienna in 1815, 39 German States
  formed a loose grouping called the German
  Confederation
• 1. Two largest states
• Prussia (German ethncity)
• Austria-Hungary (Mixed ethnicity)

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II.) Nationalism Movement Begins

• Napoleon Bonapartes 7 year rule over German
  States inspired nationalism movement

B. Industrialization of Prussia results
in 1. Junkers (conservative wealthy
landowners) 2. Zollverein (trade union
allowing free trade in German States)

• Revolution of 1848 in Berlin
• Result liberal constitution

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III.) Prussia Leads Unification

• 1861 Wilhelm I becomes King of Prussia
• 1. reforms army (2x size)

B. Otto van Bismarck named prime minister 1.
believed the state should hold power not the
people 2. Master of Realpolitik 3. ignores
constitution rules without approval
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IV.) Road to Unification

• Goal Expand empire to increase
• patriotism
• 1. The Danish War (1864)
• - Prussia/Austria vs. Denmark
• - gain two territories
• 2. Seven Weeks War (1866)
• - Prussia vs. Austria
• - Treaty of Prague ends war
• dissolves German Confederation
• creates Northern German
• Confederation (Prussia leads)
• 3. Franco-Prussian War (1870)
• - Prussia vs. France
• - goal of war is to unite w/south
• - France surrenders to Prussia

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V.) Germany Is United

1. German states meet on 1871 in Hall of Mirrors
   at Palace of Versailles

B. New Government 1. declare the formation of
the German Empire 2. Second Reich is a Limited
Constitutional Monarchy 3. Wilhelm I declared
Kaiser 4. Otto van Bismarck named chancellor
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• C. Legislative Branch
• 1. Bundesrat upper house w/58 members

2. Reichstag lower house w/ 400 members
elected by universal manhood suffrage
Outcome - Reichstag has limited powers
- Prussia influences power most
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VI.) Early Years United

1. Bismarck leads massive industrialization in
   Germany

• Wilhelm II becomes Kaiser in 1888
• Outcomes
• 1. Bismarck forced to resign
• 2. Expands German influence around the world
• 3. Germany will become military and industrial
  power

B. Kulterkampf (anti-catholic programs)
C. Socialism rises and gives way to social
reforms