Bismarck And German Unification Summary 387w

Bismarck and German Unification Summary. Writing an essay on this topic can be difficult, as it is a big topic. Exam essays therefore have to include only the ‘bare essentials’. Introduction     

German Unification had been unsuccessful before the 1860s. 1861 William I became Prussian King and following year appointed Otto Von Bismarck as Prussian Minister-President. Many would argue that Bismarck was the architect of German Unification, which was complete by 1871 after three wars with Denmark, Austria and . (This is due to many factors – of course a growing desire for unification in the German states, Bismarck’s planning, but also his opportunism and Realpolitik, the character of William I, the decline of Austria as a ‘German’ power and Prussian Economic and military strength.) But only if the question is about why Unification was achieved. If it is about whether Bismarck was an opportunist or a planner, this bit will be slightly different.

Background – Constitutional Crisis of 1862 and Bismarck’s appointment as Minister-President.  

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William I’s determination to strengthen the Prussian army – why? Planned army reforms (don’t list, keep it simple, say - The planned reforms were to extend army training, introduce new weapons, increase the standing army and create an extra 49 regiments. Crucially, however, £1.5m per annum would be needed to cover the cost of these reforms.) Constitutional Crisis – Liberal-dominated Prussian parliament refuses to fully agree the budget for William’s army reforms, King determined to carry out the reforms. Bismarck appointed as Prussian Minister President – collects taxes to fund the cost of the army reforms without the consent of parliament. KEEP ALL OF THIS BRIEF !!!!!!!!!!!!

Prusso-Danish War (1864)  

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First international crisis Bismarck had to face, just three years after taking office, some would argue, first step on the road to German Unification. How the crisis developed: 1863, new Danish king (who was also the Duke of Schleswig and Holstein) agrees to a plan to annexe Schelswig and rule Holstein more closely. Angers German nationalists as all of Holstein and southern-part of Schleswig German-speaking. This plan also breaks the 1852 London Protocol, which guaranteed the independence of the two Duchies. Opportunities Bismarck saw in Prussian involvement in the crisis. Unlikely that , Russia or Britain would get involved because …. The war: Jan 1864, Prussia and Austria signed an alliance, presented Danes with ultimatum to withdraw from Duchies, Danes did not, Prussians and Austrians invaded, Danes defeated by August. Treaty of Vienna – Danes gave up all claims to Duchies, future to be decided by Austrians and Prussians. Convention of Gastein – 1865. After initial disagreements of future of Duchies, Austria and Prussia decided that …..

Sub-conclusion Crisis not initiated by Bismarck, but Bismarck exploited it to his own advantage ….. Other reasons ……. (Army, Wilhelm etc. Be SPECIFIC about what the contributions of the other factors were to THIS war)

Austro-Prussian War – 1866 (Seven Weeks War)     

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Bismarck’s politics were anti Austrian, even before appointment as Minister President. He wanted to remove Austrian influence from German states and knew that to do so would probably mean war. Saw potential in S-H question to pick a quarrel with Austria, but first had to make sure that Austria would fight alone. French Neutrality/Alliance with Italy Outbreak of war: Italians panic Austrians into mobilising. Austrians aggravate Prussians by putting the question of S-H in front of Bund, breaking convention of Gastein. Austrians ask Bund to send forces against Prussia – Prussia takes as declaration of war. The war: Lasted seven weeks, stunning success for Prussians. Northern states that had opposed Prussia defeated very quickly. Italians tied up Austrians in south, decisive battle and defeat of Austria 3 July at Konnigratz. Why Bismarck wanted to treat Austria leniently. Treaty of Prague (significance of its )/Creation of the North German Confederation – now unified except 4 southern states ……

Sub-Conclusion  Bismarck planned for war – French neutrality/ Italian alliance  But not all down to Bismarck – victory would not have been achieved without the strength of the Prussian army – leadership of Von Moltke and Von Roon. (Be specific about what the role of the army was here)  Bismarck seemed to have done all he intended to in 1866 as far as the unification of was concerned – ‘we have done enough for our generation’. Did not plan war with . This occurred because of unwise French actions, which Bismarck exploited.

Franco-Prussian War 1870-71          

How was isolated in 1870. Why a war with would mean that it was likely that the four southern states would unite with the N.G.C. Hohenzollern candidature and its withdrawal by Prussians at French request. French insistence that the candidature never be renewed and William’s refusal. The Ems telegram and how Bismarck altered it to provoke the French. Why the southern states ed the N.G.C. The war: Quick German mobilisation, French on defensive, French armies defeated, Napoleon III overthrown, Paris besieged, over by Jan 1871. Treaty of Frankfurt and significance of its harsh . German Unification complete - formation of German Empire when 4 southern states . Proclamation of German Empire in Hall of Mirrors, Palace of Versailles 18 Jan 1871.

Sub-Conclusion  Bismarck did, to an extent engineer the Hohenzollern crisis, as he persuaded Cortes and Leopold to accept, but this was done to strengthen Prussia.  War broke out because of unwise French actions – which Bismarck exploited.  Again – strength of Prussian army crucial (Be specific about why)  Although Bismarck asserted later in his memoirs that he had planned war with to complete German Unification, this is extremely unlikely.

Summary and Conclusion Overall factors contributing to Unification. Summarise, but don’t list. Which one or ones was/were most important? A nice quote too please.