North German Confederation Flashcards
The issue of the southern provinces
With Austria out of Bismarck’s way, his next obstacle was the southern provinces.
Overwhelmingly Catholic and anti-militaristic, the southern provinces doubted Prussia’s commitment to a united Germany.
Prussia’s Protestantism and militarism made the gulf between north and south quite serious
Therefore, Bismarck turned to realpolitik to unite the Germanic provinces by constructing a war against a common enemy.
Realpolitik= Politics based on pragmatism rather than ideals.
(What needs to happen rather than
what should happen)
Using realpolitik to unite the
South
In 1870, Bismarck provokes France into conflict.
Bismarck forged a note (the Ems telegram) so it seemed that the
Prussian King had insulted the French ambassador – Published on Bastille Day.
After he leaked this letter to both populations, the people of France and Prussia, roused by nationalist sentiment, rose up in favour of war.
As Bismarck hoped, the southern provinces rallied to Prussia’s side without any hesitation.
In July 1870, France declared war on Prussia.
Within a matter of weeks of fighting, France lost this Franco-Prussian War.
Alsace-Lorraine was transferred to Germany in the peace settlement, allowing Prussia to declare the German Empire, or Second Reich, in January, 1871.
Divisions in 1871
Regional – The states (Regional loyalty = particularism)
Religion – Christianity – two-thirds = Protestants to one third Catholic
- Many Catholics lived in the southern states – gave their allegiance to the Pope
National Minorities = 10% – French in Alsace, Poles, Danes
Class division :
- Junkers = land-owning class / Working Classes
Political ideologies…
Liberalism / Conservatism - supported autocracy / Socialism
German Constitution 1871
What were the key features of the new constitution?
Emperor = King of Prussia
Control the army – appoint the Chancellor – dissolve the Reichstag
Elected Parliament (Reichstag) – could reject legislation
Male dominated
Dominated by Prussia – power of veto in the Bundesrat / Emperor /
usually the Chancellor = Prussian
Prussianisation of Germany
