Unification of Germany Flashcards
what happened in 1815?
The Congress of Vienna in 1815, 360 German states were consolidated into 38 sovereign states that were loosely connected through the German Confederation but not unified. They cooperated in some limited aspects, for example through a common defence policy. Ideas of German nationalism were growing.
what happened in 1871?
In 1871, the North German Confederation united with the southern German states to form the new, united German Empire known as the Kaiserreich they used the momentum from the Franco-Prussian War in which they had beaten France. This is when they officially became the German Empire and consisted of 25 states.
who was at the head of the Kaiserreich
At its head was the Prussian king, now known by his title Kaiser Wilhelm 1st, and the Prussian Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, had been the main figure behind unification.
what happened to King Ludwig 2nd of Bavaria in 1871?
Bismarck bribed Ludwig to join the new German Empire in 1871 although he regretted Bavaria’s loss of independence.
The German Constituition of 1871(important points):
• The Kaiser would always be the Prussian king. He had supreme control over the military and government appointments, e.g. the Chancellor.
• Each of the 25 states (Länder) was allowed to keep its own constitution, albeit under the dominance of Prussia.
• Delegates of the Länder met in the Bundesrat, the Upper House of Parliament.
• All German men over 25 could vote in Reichstag elections- ( to nullify calls for liberlisation).
• A single currency was created, as well as standardised weights and measures, a national legal system, a national civil service, and the linking up of Germany’s railway network.
• A German flag was created in 1892- It was black, white and red.
Why were there divisions after Germany was established?
The German states had developed separate identities over hundreds of years, and divisions based on religion, geography, ethnicity and culture were still prominent within the new German state.
What was one of the tactics Bismark used to gain unity?
Bismarck co-operated with the most popular political party, the National Liberals, who hoped to achieve a Germany both economically and politically unified through liberal values. Together they launched Kulturkampf.
What angle did Prussia take in the unification?
The unification of Germany was driven by Prussia, which dominated the process both militarily and politically ( unification was not a shared process). This unification was influenced by the rapid industrial growth of the German states in the 1850s, the example of Italy’s unification, and the rise of the more liberal Prince Wilhelm in Prussia in 1858. Prussia aimed to control the unification to ensure dominance over the new nation.
How was the potential for dynastic rivalry tackled
The potential for dynastic rivalry between Germany’s many royal families was overcome by the 22 different royals maintaining substantial power under the Prussian king who was also the General emperor. The constitutions proclaimed that all German sovereigns were equal.
What was the role of the German Emperor ?
Although the constitution proclaimed that all German sovereigns had equal power this was not true. He controlled the civil service and the military, took precedence over the separate states through imperial law, which superseded state powers.
How was the army controlled?
It was made up of four separate armies: those of Prussia, Bavaria, Saxony and Wurttemberg. Each separate army owed allegiance to the king of that particular state. However, in a time of war, the emperor would be in-charge of the entire military.
How and why did the 25 states/länder differ?
Each state had its own constitution which meant they were governed differently. Bavaria, for instance, was relatively liberal, while the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin had a constitution that predated the French revolution and had no elected parliament until 1918.
What did states have control over ?
The states also retained control over education, transport, direct taxation, policing, health and there own constitution.
What differences were there for Southern states?
They retained their own railway and postal systems, and were exempted from the taxes on beer and spirits that the northern states had to pay. However, the federal government was able to set national tariffs, control the banking system and set the direction German foreign and economic policy. They enjoyed certain privileges not given to the northern states, due to deals Bismarck made with the southern states to encourage them to join with the Northern Confederation in 1871.
