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Nationalism. Early 1800s to World War I. Nationalism. A strong feeling of pride in and devotion to one’s country Can be compared to school spirit. Germany. Early 1800s- Germany was a mixture of small and medium-sized states (not a unified country).
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Nationalism Early 1800s to World War I
Nationalism • A strong feeling of pride in and devotion to one’s country • Can be compared to school spirit
Germany • Early 1800s- Germany was a mixture of small and medium-sized states (not a unified country). • Napoleon’s wars (1806 to 1812) -caused German nationalism and a hatred for the French. • Germans fought to free their lands from French rule and called for a unified state
Otto von Bismarck • “The Iron Chancellor” – Highest ranking official of Prussia • Used policy of “blood and iron” to unite the German states under Prussian rule
Bismarck (continued) • Master of Realpolitik- realistic policies based on the needs of the state; power was more important than principles • Unified Germany- • Built up Prussian army • Annexed smaller, weaker German states • “Started” the Franco-Prussian War • He knew German states would unify against France
Franco-Prussian War (1870) • Started over a disagreement about an heir to the Spanish throne • Bismarck “edited” a telegram sent to him by the Prussian king, William • “Ems Telegram” • He made it look like William had insulted France • Napoleon III became furious and declared war • Prussia defeats France in 6 weeks • With the use of modern technology (telegraphs, railroads, breech-loading weapons)
Ems Telegram http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/emstelegram.htm
Franco-Prussian War (continued) • Humiliating defeat for the French • Very quick defeat • Forced to pay Prussia to leave • Lost 2 border provinces: Alsace and Lorraine • Prussian victory leads to the crowning of William I as “Kaiser” (emperor) • 1871- “Germany” becomes a unified nation • Becomes known as the Second Reich, or empire