Why was Germany united by 1871?

1. Why was Germany united by 1871? • Summary of Chapter 9 of Britain & Scotland and Germany by John A. Kerr and James McGonigle. 1

2. Relationship between Prussia and Austria changed, so by 1860 a Prussian controlled unification began to seem possible • Austria opposed unification as it saw it as a threat to its own empire. The German speaking minority in Austria were significant enough to worry Austria • Upshot – Austria and Prussia became rivals Intro 2

3. Austria was getting weaker, losing Allies and losing influence. Prussia, on the other hand, was getting stronger, rapidly industrialising, building road and rail networks, as well as telegraph systems. Trade and wealth increasing. Prussia also had plenty natural resources. • What helped Bismarck achieve unification was, he had a ‘good hand’ to begin with. Intro 3

4. 1848 Revolutions got more people interested in politics, increased national feelings and clarified political views and associations. • Idea of unity gaining ground • Military stronger • Economy stronger • Better rail and road network • Increased iron and steel production • Zollverien Bismarck’s ‘good hand’ 4

5. Italian nationalists successful • Austria weaker • Sympathy from some European countries for those seeking independence and self determination. Bismarck’s ‘good hand’ 5

6. Austrian blunder – failed to support Russia in the war against Britain and France (Crimean War). Russia would never forgive Austria for this. Russia remained neutral in Austria’s conflicts thereafter. • Austria could do little to stop to tide of national feeling and the setting up of the Nationalverein (National Organisation). The Nationalverein essentially wanted a liberal, parliamentary Kleindeutsch, i.e. a Prussian led unified state. Changes in Austria 6

7. Prussia stronger – • Govt support for workers’ schemes to help factory workers • Helped peasants turn away from revolution and remain and support their rulers – the Junkers • Carried out a programme of social reforms • Encouraged economic growth • Zolverein • New raw materials in the Rhine and Saar regions Economic changes 7

8. Austrian decline – • Lacked raw materials • Didn’t join the Zollverein • Introduced very few social reforms • Industrial output stagnated or, at the very least it showed a slow increase. • (See data on pp.109-110) Economic changes 8

9. As Prussia grew stronger, smaller German states realised the benefits of trade with Prussia. Smaller states increased trade with the German Confederation thanks to the Zollverein • Austria tried to latch itself and other states outwith the Prussian trade area on to the Zollverein as a political move. This was successfully opposed by the Bund. Why are these figures important? 9

10. Did he plan this unification? • Didn’t like Austria’s tactics in the Bund • Knew it was important to keep on good terms with Russia • Learned that French power was “more apparent than real”. Bismarck Arrives 10

11. British Conservative Benjamin Disraeli claims Bismarck said :- • He was getting an army up and ready • Wanted a war with Austria • Wanted to dissolve the German Diet (German Assembly) • Achieve natural unity under Prussian control. • The authenticity of the Disraeli’s report is in doubt, but some historians use it to prove B planned it. Bismarck Arrives 11

12. Was B an opportunist? • A.J.P Taylor argues that B just followed day to day policy, doing what was needed to get what he wanted. • Make sure you read p.3 of your question booklet. Bismarck Arrives 12

13. King William wanted to improve the army but the Prussian Parliament kept blocking his demands for money to fund the improvements. • The King threatened to abdicate, alarming many ministers. • Minister of War, Von Roon, suggested getting B back from Paris to help solve the problem. The King eventually agrees and B returns as Chancellor. Bismarck Arrives 13

14. Remember, B was not keen on liberal ideas, He wanted: • The constitutional crisis resolved (See p.3 of question booklet) • Make Prussia more dominant than Austria in German affairs • Create a greater role for Prussia in European affairs • Maintain the position of the Junker ruling class (the Prussian nobility) Bismarck Arrives 14

15. Realpolitik – placing an emphasis on achieving realistic objectives rather than pursuing idealistic ambitions. • It was realistic and practical but with B it became ruthless and manipulative Bismarck Arrives 15

16. B accepted that unification was going to happen but he wanted the monarchy at the head of it • Therefore, controlling the process of unification was crucial. It had to be a unified Germany, under Prussian control and the Prussian king at its head • B was willing to end relations with Austria Bismarck Arrives 16

17. Blood and Iron speech: • B wasn’t going to wait or allow political parties or liberals to bring about unification. • He was going to ensure that Prussia would unify Germany under their terms using the army, financed by the industrial and economic strength of Prussia – ‘blood and iron’. Bismarck Arrives 17

18. B got the Army Budget through by stating that, as the constitution didn’t have a provision for the resolution of a dispute between the King and Parliament, then the final decision rested with the King who could carry on and pass the Bill without government approval. Bismarck Arrives 18

19. An increase from 2 to 3 years full time army training for all men • An increase from 3 to 4 years in the reserves • Part time soldiers to be virtually abolished • An extra 49 regiments to be created • Extra 9 million Thalers (about £1.5 million) to be raised each year to cover costs! Army Reforms 19

20. B knew that a united Germany would please the Liberal middle class, but done under the control of the King and Chancellor would not be the way they would want it to happen. B decided to achieve unification via foreign affairs. • B got on Russia’s side by allowing them into Poland to find Polish rebels. This action by B is ironic as Poland also wanted to be an independent country, just like Germany, so B denies it to Poland so that Germany can get it! Bismarck’s Aims 20

21. Britain and France criticised B for allowing Russia into Poland. This criticism helped B as Russia could now see that Prussia was their only ally in Europe. • Note – B did all of these things without the Diet’s approval, but the result convinced a few liberals that B’s plan of unifying Germany may actually work. Bismarck’s Aims 21

22. The first dispute was over two pieces of land owned by dukes, (duchies) called Schleswig and Holstein. Since 1848 there had been a clash between the rival forces of Danish and German nationalism both seeking to control Schleswig and Holstein. In 1863, the new Danish King, Christian IX, tried to make Schleswig part of Denmark but this was against the Treaty of London of 1852 which stated that Denmark would respect the autonomy of the two Duchies. Bismarck wanted to get the Duchies for Prussia to assert Prussian leadership in Germany but he knew that non-German countries like Britain, France and Russia would intervene if Prussia acted alone. Bismarck managed to get Austria to agree to a joint Austro-Prussian invasion of the Duchies. After a short war, Denmark was forced to give up the Duchies to Austria and Prussia. The Danish War 22

23. The Danish War 23

24. The Schleswig-Holstein problem (1863-1865) was now solved and in 1865, Bismarck made a temporary settlement whereby Austria was to run Holstein and Prussia was to run Schleswig. This settlement was called The Convention of Gastein. Meanwhile, in April 1866, Bismarck made an alliance with Italy for a war with Austria within 3 months and Italy would get Venetia as a reward. Bismarck was confident that Austria had few friends and that neither France nor Russia would come to her aid. He had also secured France’s word; they would stay out of the conflict with Austria. Bismarck began to accuse Austria of not running Holstein properly and unleashed war on Austria. By June Prussian forces occupied Holstein and attacked Austria and any other German state which were fighting against Prussia. The Danish War 24

25. Two benefits of the war with Denmark: • Prussia was seen as a defender of independent states, but ironically, nationalism. • Outcome showed that the Army reforms have resulted in an efficient, powerful army, ready for future wars, leading to unification. The Danish War 25

26. Got Austria’s help so there wouldn’t be a repeat of a previous attempt by Denmark to annex H & S when Prussia acted alone and Austria told them to back down. • Isolated his enemy:- • 1) B takes the lead – Protector of German nationalism, not Austria (seen as just a land grabber ). • 2) GB – not in a position to help as it would be a war on the ground not at sea. Also; Queen Victoria was keen for it to happen • 3) FR – Too busy in Mexico! • 4) Russia – Indifferent and friends with B. • (Pupils should do something with the 4 points on p.4 of question booklet) The Danish War 26

27. Make sure pupils copy the quotes – and use them in essays • Difference of opinions - B. Keen to annex the two territories. Austria – fate should be decided by the Bund. • B not ready for a war as his diplomatic and military preparations were incomplete and he had to play for time. Treaty of Gastein – Patched up difference. This would settle things down long enough for B to finish his preparations. • Master – stroke ? – Austria look like land grabbers See P.119 of textbook. I have never really understood this as B wanted to annex them not Austria. • More importantly, Prussia controlled Austria’s access to Holstein. Austro-Prussian War 27

28. Why France isolated – i.e. neutral? B knew France wanted Germany to remain divided. Also Fr had ambitions for taken over southern states. • How Isolated? – met Napoleon III at Biarritz. Napoleon convinced that if Fr remained neutral, then Fr would have “territorial compensation wherever French is spoken! • B claims he never ‘promised’ this. • GB will not interfere. Not a naval battle • Russia – not friends with Austria. The isolation of Austria 28

29. B sought an ally to show other European countries that this was not a civil war between two German powers. Therefore, these countries would stay out of it. • Italy – Chosen because 1) Italy saw Austria as a barrier to full unification due to Austria still in charge of Venetia. 2) Austrian war with Italy and Prussia meant a war on two fronts. Isolation of Austria 29

30. B had to act quickly because of Italian conditions:- • Alliance with Italy last 3 months only • Austria had to declare war • Italy declare war after Prussia declares war • Italy would get Venetia afterwards Isolation of Austria 30

31. B wanted elections to the Bund by universal male suffrage! Welcomed by Liberals! • Rejected by all other German States. • These states looked like reactionaries • B Looked like a Liberal light! • Discuss top right of P5 of booklet Isolation od Austria 31

32. Austria’s actions – • Austria angry about B; access to Holstein • Austria mobilise before Prussian army because they knew their army was inferior. • Austria mobilises also because Italy moved troops to Austrian border • This made Austria look like the aggressor therefore not getting any sympathy, especially when Austria refused to be part of a Conference to stop any war. Isolation of Austria 32

33. On 14th June 1866 Austria declared war on Prussia. The Southern states sided with Austria. Austria were almost ‘forced’ into it. • B issued ultimatums to Southern States to either join Prussia or be considered enemies. They all sided with Austria. The Austro – Prussian war began. • B kept nationalists happy by portraying Prussia as fighting to establish a modern unified German state. War with Austria 33

34. Resistance of small states weak compared to might of Prussian army. • Italy kept Austrian troops ‘distracted’ in the south, which helped Prussia with the only real battle of the war – Battle of Koniggratz (or Sadowa) on 3 July 1866 • A stunning victory for Prussia. Modern Army/Railways/ Telegraph. War with Austria 34

35. B wanted the war to be concluded quickly and get a lenient peace treaty. B wanted to avoid wounding Austria. B had achieved his aim of pushing Austrians out of German affairs. A quick treaty would also end the threat of a French invasion and Italian defeat. • Treaty of Prague – 23 August 1866. War with Austria 35

36. Main parts of the Treaty:- • Austria to give Venetia to Italy • Austria expelled from Bund. Lost no land and paid only a small compensation. • 21 States north of River Main came under Prussian leadership and formed North German Confederation. • Southern states could remain independent, but were forced to pay money to Prussia. They were also forced into military alliances withPrussia. War with Austria 36

37. Other consequences of Austro – Prussian war – • French power reduced • B now regarded as a national hero. Even Liberals forgive him and reward him £60,000! • See Feuchtwanger’s Quote, P123 War with Austria 37

38. B Realised that the best way to get the southern states to unify with the NGC would be to create an enemy who would threaten the southern states and they would look to Prussia for protection. That enemy would be France. • See Quote P.124 Franco-Prussia war 38

39. Tensions between France and Prussia:- • Napoleon III annoyed he hadn’t been rewarded for staying neutral in the Austro-Prussian war. B got Napoleon to write out his demands. B leaked demands to press and the southern states were furious that spme of their land would be given to France. Southern states joined with Prussia for protection. B now got southern states within his control and Fr angered. Background to the war 39

40. (See Pp. 124 – 126). Also listen to Mr Davidson’s summing up. We may also have time to watch AJP Taylor. • Great example of B taking advantage of situations that arise. • See D Thompson quote, P. 124 • The upshot of the EMS telegram incident is that France declared war on Prussia, yet again making Prussia look like the innocent defender. Southern states joined with Prussia and Prussia won a decisive victory over the French. Spanish Candidature. Ems Telegram 40

41. 18 January 1871, in the hall of Mirrors in the palace of Versailles, William I, King of Prussia was proclaimed German Emperor. Emperor of a united Germany. • France suffered a harsh peace treaty. A fact that explains why France enacted such a harsh treaty on Germany in 1918. Outcome of Franco-Prussian war 41

42. Different views • In the past, Generally accepted that B alone responsible • Recently, views have changed:- • Williamson – B exploited forces which already existed – economic, liberalism and nationalism • Mosse – B’s task was made easier by circumstances Importance of B in unification 42

43. Medlicott – B’s admirers exaggerated the extent of the obstacles in his path • Aronson – B was an opportunist • Stiles – B used flexible policies • Eyck – Unification was a natural and desirable development, ie it was going to happen • Seaman – it was Prussia’s economic power that really got the unification process completed. Importance of B in unification 43