Welcome to the Unification of Germany (c1840–71)
Hi there! In this chapter, we are going to explore one of the most exciting "puzzle-building" stories in history. Imagine a group of 39 different states—some tiny, some huge—all speaking the same language but acting like separate countries. By the end of this journey, you’ll see how they transformed into a single, powerful Empire. We will look at the dreamers (liberals and nationalists), the economics (money talks!), and the man who eventually forced it all together: Otto von Bismarck.
Section 1: The Pressure Cooker (1840–48)
Before 1871, there was no "Germany." Instead, there was the German Confederation—a loose association of 39 states dominated by Austria. However, Prussia was the "rising star" in the north.
1. Nationalism and Liberalism
In the 1840s, two big ideas were spreading like wildfire:
• Nationalism: The belief that all German-speakers should live in one single country.
• Liberalism: The belief that people should have more say in government (parliaments, free speech, and voting).
2. The Power of the Wallet: The Zollverein
Did you know? Long before Germany was a country, it was a "shopping zone." Prussia created the Zollverein, a customs union that removed taxes on goods traded between German states.
Analogy: Imagine if every time you moved between rooms in your house, you had to pay a £5 "doorway tax." The Zollverein took those doors away.
Why it matters: It made Prussia rich and left Austria out in the cold, because Austria refused to join. This made the other German states look to Prussia for leadership, not Austria.
3. The Short-term Spark (1846–48)
Things got messy in the late 1840s because of:
• The "Hungry Forties": Bad harvests led to high food prices and starvation.
• Economic Crisis: Businesses failed and unemployment rose.
• The French Influence: In February 1848, the French overthrew their King. Germans thought, "If they can do it, why can't we?"
Quick Review:
• Austria was the traditional leader.
• Prussia was the economic leader (thanks to the Zollverein).
• People were hungry and angry, which is a perfect recipe for a revolution.
Key Takeaway: By 1848, the old way of running Germany was under huge pressure from both economic success (Prussia) and social misery (the poor).
Section 2: The Year of Hopes and Heartbreaks (1848–51)
In 1848, revolutions broke out across Germany. For a moment, it looked like a unified, democratic Germany was about to be born. But it wasn't that simple.
1. The Frankfurt Parliament
Middle-class liberals met at the Frankfurt Parliament to write a constitution for a united Germany. They spent ages arguing over two ideas:
• Grossdeutschland: A "Greater Germany" including Austria.
• Kleindeutschland: A "Smaller Germany" excluding Austria, led by Prussia.
Eventually, they chose Kleindeutschland and offered the crown to Frederick William IV of Prussia.
2. "The Crown from the Gutter"
Frederick William IV famously refused the crown. He said he would not take a crown "from the gutter" (meaning from ordinary people/parliament). He believed only God or other Princes could give him a crown.
3. Why did the Revolutions fail?
Don't worry if this seems tricky at first! Just remember that the revolutionaries were divided.
• The "Talkers" vs. The "Workers": The middle-class liberals wanted laws; the working-class wanted food and jobs. They didn't trust each other.
• Conservative Strength: The Kings and Princes still had their armies. Once the initial shock wore off, they used force to take back control.
• Austrian Recovery: Austria regained its strength and demanded that the German Confederation be restored, putting Prussia back in its place (this was called the Humiliation of Olmütz).
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't assume the 1848 revolutions achieved nothing. While they failed to unify Germany, they forced many states (like Prussia) to keep constitutions and parliaments, even if they were weak.
Key Takeaway: Democracy failed to unify Germany in 1848. It proved that if Germany were to be unified, it would probably happen through "Blood and Iron," not speeches and votes.
Section 3: Prussia vs. Austria—The Rivalry (1852–66)
After 1850, the race was on. Who would be the "Boss of Germany"?
1. Prussia’s "Secret Weapon": Industrialization
While Austria struggled with debt, Prussia was building railways and coal mines.
• Railways: Allowed Prussia to move its army much faster than anyone else.
• Need to know: Prussia's economy was becoming modern, while Austria's was stuck in the past.
2. Enter Bismarck: The Man with a Plan
In 1862, King William I of Prussia faced a Constitutional Crisis. He wanted money to expand the army, but parliament said no. He appointed Otto von Bismarck as Minister-President.
Bismarck's Style: Realpolitik. This means "politics of reality." He didn't care about morals or "the right thing"—he only cared about what worked to make Prussia powerful.
3. The War with Austria (1866)
Bismarck picked a fight with Austria over some territories (Schleswig and Holstein). This was the Seven Weeks' War.
• The Result: Prussia smashed Austria at the Battle of Sadowa.
• The Treaty of Prague: Austria was kicked out of German affairs for good. Prussia created the North German Confederation.
Memory Aid: Think of 1866 as Prussia winning the "semi-finals" of the unification tournament.
Key Takeaway: By 1866, Prussia was the undisputed leader of Northern Germany. Only the Southern Catholic states (who were wary of Protestant Prussia) and France stood in the way of full unification.
Section 4: The Final Piece—The Franco-Prussian War (1866–71)
Bismarck knew that a war with France would scare the Southern German states into joining Prussia for protection. He just needed an excuse to start one.
1. The Ems Telegram (The Ultimate "Mean Tweet")
A dispute arose over who should be the next King of Spain (the Hohenzollern Candidature). Bismarck took a friendly telegram from King William I and edited it to make it sound like the King had insulted the French Ambassador. He then leaked it to the press.
Result: The French were furious and declared war in 1870. This was exactly what Bismarck wanted!
2. The War and the Empire
The German states fought together under Prussian leadership. They used their superior railways and artillery to defeat the French at the Battle of Sedan.
• January 1871: In the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles (in France!), William I was declared German Emperor (Kaiser).
• Treaty of Frankfurt: France had to pay a huge fine and give up Alsace-Lorraine.
3. Why was Prussia successful?
Step-by-step Summary:
1. Economic: The Zollverein made Prussia the financial heart of Germany.
2. Military: Reform of the army and the use of modern technology (needle guns, railways).
3. Leadership: Bismarck’s Realpolitik and his ability to manipulate other countries.
4. Nationalism: The war with France made Germans feel like one people.
Quick Review Box:
• 1864: War with Denmark (Gained land).
• 1866: War with Austria (Kicked Austria out).
• 1870-71: War with France (United all of Germany).
Key Takeaway: Germany was unified "from above" by the Prussian monarchy and army, not "from below" by the people. This meant the new Germany was very powerful, but not very democratic.
Great job! You've just covered the highlights of German Unification. Keep these key dates and names in mind, and you'll be well on your way to mastering Paper 2!