“The German difference from the American, British, andFrench models of society and politics does not lie in any
German rejection of individual freedom in favor ofabsolute, or totalitarian, rule. Historical experience hasinstead left Germans more fearful of anarchy than of
tyranny, inclining them to hedge, if hedge they must, on theside of good order. This they have done in a compellingbelief that it is not freedom, once attained, but discipline,
carefully maintained, that keeps a people free”-Historian Steven Ozment
The Creation of Germany:The Creation of Germany:From Blood and Iron, 1815-71From Blood and Iron, 1815-71
German people were divided among a host of states led by Austria & Prussia
Napoleon formed the Rhine Confederation
He was first welcomed Seen as hero Liked enlightenment
policies Struggle to overthrow
France led to development of German Nationalism
Zollverein – German customs union led by Prussia; helped them have influence over smaller German states
Austria opposed creation of United Germany, but wanted expanded Zollverein
Conflict between Prussia & Austria was unavoidable
After the revolutions were crushed believers in unification of Germany divided into 2 parties:
Kleindeutsch (small Germany)—Austria & Bohemia excluded, Prussia main power; appealed to Prussians & smaller states & Protestants
Grossdeutsch (large Germany)—Austria & Bohemia included; appealed to larger states & Catholics
Mitteleuropa (mid-European Union)—much looser confederation of independent states; favored by Austria
Impact of Revolutions of 1848Impact of Revolutions of 1848
Born in 1815 to a Prussian Junker (rural aristocratic) class family
Rebellious youth, lacked direction
Tall (6’2”), imposing, confident 1832—begins years at liberal
university in Gottingen 1847-51—delegate to German
Confederation--develops ultraconservative outlook
1851-62 served in Prussian Diplomatic Corps in German Confederation, Russia, and France
1862 appointed Prime Minister to help King Wilhelm I with a crisis with Parliament over military
Otto von Bismarc
k, Minister-Presiden
t of Prussia
Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898)Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898)
Wilhelm I,
King of Prussia
Ignores Parliament’s opposition Collects taxes without their consent Puts army under King’s control Curtailed freedom of the press Forced state officials to show loyalty
From 1862, Bismarck rules Prussia as dictator with Wilhelm’s permission
Ultra-conservative but later moderated views when in power
Strong willed, shrewd, manipulative Master of Realpolitik
Machiavellian Divide-and-conquer strategy Used German nationalism to advantage Ultimate goal: power
Bismarck’s Rise to PowerBismarck’s Rise to Power
1863 crisis over Control of Schleswig and Holstein—Danish King or German Duke?
Bismarck maneuvered Denmark into a war with PRU & AUS
Denmark was defeated and Austria and Prussia sign the Gastein Convention
Bismarck weakened Britain, and set Austria up
Prussia set up alliances or neutrality of other major powers
Austria failed to follow the Gastein Convention
Bismarck provoked Austria into declaring war on Prussia
Many German states side with Austria
Prussia was able to quickly defeat Austria & prevent French intervention
Prussia strengthened and dominates German States End of the German
Confederation & the creation of the Northern German Confederation
Prussia annexed most of the opposing N. German States
S. German States signed treaties w/Prussia
Austria weakened but not harshly punished—would not seek revenge
Italy takes territory from Austria France belatedly recognizes rise of
Prussian power
France fears rise of Prussian Power
Tensions rise over succession to Spanish throne—Ems Dispatch—angers France
Bismarck was able to isolate France from the rest of Europe—Napoleon III
Bismarck able to unite w/Southern German States—German Nationalism
France declares war on Prussia
Germany quickly mobilizes the German forces and invades France
French forces are quickly defeated in a series of battles (Metz & Sedan) and Napoleon III is captured
Paris is besieged and the 3rd Republic is formed
Battles between rival French political forces—Commune
Feb 1871 France surrenders
Treaty of Frankfurt officially ended the war
France defeated & weakened Republic formed Loses territory (Alsace & Lorraine)
and pays indemnity( 500 million francs)
Germany Dominant power in Europe Unification of Germany (18 Jan
1871) Balance of power changed in
Europe
