key question 4 germany

Question 1

What was Bismarck’s role in the unification of Germany by 1871?

Answer 1

Bismarck played a pivotal role in unification by using diplomacy, manipulation, and military strategy to align the German states under Prussian leadership.

Question 2

What were the key events that led to German unification by 1871?

Answer 2

The key events were the Danish War (1864), the Austro-Prussian War (1866), the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71), and the creation of the North German Confederation (1867).

Question 3

How did Bismarck use the Danish War (1864) to further the cause of unification?

Answer 3

Bismarck used the Danish War to align Prussia with Austria, defeating Denmark and gaining control of Schleswig and Holstein, which later became points of tension leading to the Austro-Prussian War.

Question 4

Why did Bismarck provoke the Austro-Prussian War (1866)?

Answer 4

Bismarck wanted to remove Austria from the German Confederation and weaken its influence, making Prussia the dominant German state.

Question 5

What was the outcome of the Austro-Prussian War (1866)?

Answer 5

Prussia’s victory led to the dissolution of the German Confederation and the establishment of the North German Confederation, excluding Austria from German affairs.

Question 6

How did the creation of the North German Confederation contribute to unification?

Answer 6

The North German Confederation was a step toward full unification, as it consolidated the northern German states under Prussian leadership, paving the way for the eventual inclusion of southern states.

Question 7

Why did Bismarck need to secure southern Germany for unification?

Answer 7

Southern German states, especially Bavaria, were important to complete the unification, but they were wary of Prussian dominance and required assurance of their autonomy.

Question 8

What role did the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71) play in unification?

Answer 8

The war united the northern and southern German states against a common enemy (France), fostering a sense of nationalism and leading to the full unification of Germany under the Prussian king.

Question 9

Why was the Ems Dispatch important in the Franco-Prussian War?

Answer 9

Bismarck edited the Ems Dispatch to provoke France into declaring war, which united the German states against a common enemy and made unification more likely.

Question 10

How did Bismarck’s manipulation of the Ems Dispatch lead to war with France?

Answer 10

By modifying the telegram to make it seem like the Prussian king had insulted the French ambassador, Bismarck provoked France into declaring war, leading to the Franco-Prussian War.

Question 11

Why was the Franco-Prussian War important for German national unity?

Answer 11

The war united the German states against a foreign threat, fostering nationalism and creating a unified front, which contributed to the declaration of the German Empire in 1871.

Question 12

What was the outcome of the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71)?

Answer 12

Prussia’s victory over France led to the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871, with King Wilhelm I of Prussia crowned as the German Emperor in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.

Question 13

How did Bismarck’s foreign policy contribute to German unification?

Answer 13

Bismarck carefully manipulated foreign affairs, isolating Austria and France diplomatically, and provoking wars that united the German states under Prussian leadership.

Question 14

Why did Bismarck seek to keep France neutral during the unification process?

Answer 14

Bismarck needed France to be isolated to avoid it hindering Prussia’s ambitions, especially in the lead-up to the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian Wars.

Question 15

What role did nationalism play in the unification of Germany?

Answer 15

Nationalism grew in the German states, especially in the wake of the Franco-Prussian War, creating a desire for unity under a single German empire.

Question 16

How did the unification of Germany affect the balance of power in Europe?

Answer 16

Germany became a new, powerful nation-state, shifting the balance of power in Europe and challenging France and Austria’s influence.

Question 17

Why was Bismarck’s diplomacy crucial in achieving German unification?

Answer 17

Bismarck used skillful diplomacy to isolate Austria and France, secure alliances with other powers, and manipulate events to lead to war, which ultimately united Germany.

Question 18

What was the significance of the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871?

Answer 18

The proclamation marked the official unification of Germany under Prussian leadership, with the establishment of the German Empire and the consolidation of German-speaking states.

Question 19

How did the role of Prussia’s military contribute to German unification?

Answer 19

Prussia’s strong military, reforms, and decisive victories in wars such as the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian Wars were key in unifying Germany under Prussian leadership.

Question 20

Why did Bismarck avoid a direct confrontation with Austria early on in his efforts?

Answer 20

Bismarck initially avoided confrontation with Austria to maintain the alliance in the Danish War and avoid creating unnecessary enemies before he was ready for the conflict.

Question 21

How did the German Empire differ from previous German political structures?

Answer 21

The German Empire centralized authority under the Kaiser and the Prussian monarchy, unlike the fragmented German Confederation, which had been weakened by Bismarck’s policies.