German Unification: 09 April 2016 13:09

18/10/2016 OneNote Online
German Unification
09 April 2016 13:09

Germany Unification
18th Century: Germany was divided into number of states (some very small)
By the end of Napoleonic wars 38 independent states remained including
Prussia, Wurttemberg, Bavaria and Saxony.

Biggest, most powerful and reactionary state was Prussia. Big landlords known as
Junkers were the dominant section of Prussian society. Prussia was also Leader
of Holy Alliance (formed to curb peoples attempt to overthrow ruler)
Problems of Divided Germany
Division hampered Economic growth
Social and political backwardness
Growth of national consciousness, particularly after French Revolution, led to
demand of unification, establishment of democratic government, and socio
political reforms
1815 à German states along with Austria formed Germanic Confederation.
However each state tried to preserve independence and its oppressive socio
political system
1848 à Revolt à Rulers forced to grant democratic constitutions
Constituent Assembly in Frankfurt: To unite Germany and frame a constitution
for united Germany à Constitutional Monarchy with King of Prussia as Emperor
of Germany à He refused to accept the crown from elected representatives à
Repression à German revolutionaries fled the country
Bismarck – Policy of Blood and Iron
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Revolt of 1848 failed à Germany to be united into Militaristic state by rulers (and
not into democratic state by revolutionaries)
Bismarck, a Prussian Aristocrat, wanted to preserve the predominance of the
landed aristocrats and the army in the united German state and to achieve the
unification of Germany under the leadership of the Prussian monarchy. For this
He gave Policy of Blood and Iron (meant policy of war)
First aim he pursued was to eliminate Austria from confederation. He first
aligned with Austria to fight with Denmark. After defeating Denmark Bismarck
allied with Italy and defeated Austria.
In 1866 Bismarck united 22 states of old confederations to form North German
Confederation. The constitution of this Confederation made the King of Prussia
the hereditary head of the Confederation.
German unification completed as a result of war between France and Germany à
defeated Louis Bonaparte, this war enabled Bismarck to absorb the remaining
German states into united Germany
After her unification, Germany emerged as a very strong power in Europe. It
underwent heavy industrialization in a very short period and soon joined the
scramble for colonies.

Background
Birth of newly industrialized nations in Europe which started changing the
political equation in Europe
Reason:
Situation: IR of 1750 started creating new changes in polity, economy and
society. Despite German states fulfilling all the conditions for IR, it was still
lagging behind Britain, France etc.
Exploitation: by the neighboring countries acted as a catalytic force to desire
to be united and was hindrance for emerging capitalists, industrialists and
nationalists.
German states were divided on lines of polity, but united on concept of
German race and language
Napoleon's role:
Destroyed Holy Roman Empire, which controlled German states, and
this fall of nonGerman leaders strengthened the path of unity of
Germany
Abolished small states in Germany and established new states of
Westphalia (practical taste of unity)
Napoleon, in short, ignited fire of unity among Germans.
Role of Personalities:
Like in any revolution, including American and French revolution role
of personalities is quintessential and indispensable
Because without participation of common people will not participate
till they have faith in an ideal, which can be understood and clarified by
intellectuals only.
Bismarck : Chancellor of Prussia
Hudror, Fickte prompted concept of German race and language
through their writing

Phases of German Unification
1. German Diet: Seed of GU
Austria formed confederation of German states, leading to origin of
German diet ( for better management)
Though no formal relation, GD was beginning of Modern Political
structure in Germany
General resolutions can be passed by 2/3rd majority only
Fundamental/Constitutional changes, the acceptance of every
state is mandatory
2. Zollverine
a. Prussia took advantage of provisions of German diet and implemented
Zollverine, a customs union among German states, leading to economic
union of German states.
b. Always in world history, if economic unification happens, it is the most
critical step and political union is not far behind. Revolution of 1830 in
France ended the principle of divine rights of the kings, declaring that
king cannot rule on his whims and fancies, but will have to rule
according to will of people, leading to ground for framing of
constitution
c. Socialist movement of 1848 activated the labour class of entire Europe
including Germany, leading to Heidelberg convention where liberals
and intellectuals of Germany decided to frame the new constitution
3. 2nd Frankfurt Parliament
a. This led to 2nd Frankfurt parliament, where representative of the
people declared that Germany will unite under leadership of Prussia,
finally leading to framing of new constitution
b. Prussia out rightly refused ( and this big step of German unification
went in vain) because:
i. Proposal was not initiated by king but by representative of people
ii. Prussia did not want the status of superficial head
c. Olmutz Convention: Austria threated Prussia against accepting
German offer
d. This, although was a setback to German unification, but also it was
absolutely clear that war with Austria is inevitable if German
unification is to become reality
4. Bismark
a. Economic empowerment of Prussia which lead to strengthening of its
military
b. B recognized that war with Austria was destined. So for economic
empowerment:
i. Establishment of modern economic institutions in Germany. Ex.
Imperial Banks
ii. Reforms in Infrastructure like roads and railways
iii. Production under control of state
iv. Emphasis on principal of state socialism, guaranteeing rights and
protection to labour class
c. This economic empowerment lead to military strengthening
d. Entrapment Policy: Denmark became the pawn, Austria the victim and
France was deceived by Bismarck
e. By London agreement of 1852, Schleswig and Holstein were kept
under Denmark's protection. Later Denmark violated the agreement
and incorporated both territories which led to war between Denmark
and combined armies of Austria and Prussia
f. Bismarck learned the strength and weaknesses of Austrian army during
the war
g. In 1865, by convention of Gaustein, Schleswig to Austria, Holstine to
Prussia
h. After this, Bismarck took steps to alienate Austria from its allies
i. Adopted prorussian attitude in Poland
ii. Promised Italians help in their unification
iii. Made commitments to Napoleon III of big rewards
i. He incorporated Holstine provoking Austria and in Battle of Sadowa in
1866, Austria was defeated, completing the first phase of German
unification
j. With defeat of Austria, France became next target, Napoleon III was
deceived into giving written demands
k. It was France who was defeated at Battle of Sadowa
l. Bismarck exposed written proposals of France's ruler embodying his
demand for compensations, where France came across as an aggressor
with insatiable territorial appetite
m. This alienated France from its allies in Europe
n. Benedetti episode: He was French ambassador in Prussia, he was
insulted by Bismarck
o. These two reasons provoked France, leading to its defeat in Battle of
Sedan, completing goals of GU
p. B never let his ambitions known to outside world, and he achieved his
goal irrespective of all odds, so he deserves all the laurels and respect
that European and world history has bestowed upon him.


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