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    Unification of Germany

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    2 0 5 4 8 Gurwinder Singh

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    wevwewvw 7: wwvwv ee b b b v , b Y | | 6 | RISE OF NATIONALISM- | UNIFICATION OF GERMANY Germany is situated in Central Europe. In the north, her boundary touches the Balti Sea, in the cast it touches Poland and Russia, in the West, her boundary touches the states of Belgium and France and in the South it touches Austria. The vast empire of Germany was created by Charlemagne in the beginning of 9th Century A.D. With the creation of German Empire began the history of Germany. According to A.J.P. Taylor, “The German national state is new ; but the conciousness of German-national existence is old, certainly older than the consciouness of Spanish national existance, perhaps older than that of England or France." On the eve of French Revolution of 1789, Germany was divided into several small and big states. There number was about 360. These states had their own rulers, system of government, laws and religious traditions. People of German states lacked spirit of nationalism ; they called themselves as Hanoverians or Bavarians, Prussians or Austrains. The rulers had their own selfish motives. These states had a loose cofederation under the control of Austria. Though the President of the Federation was elected: for last many years the Emperor of Austria had been continuing its President but he did not enjoy any special rights. During the Middle Ages Germany was a part of the Holy Roman Empire but now it has declined ; it was neither Holy, nor Roman nor Empire. Reactionary Austria had been creating hurdles on the path of German unification. The French Revolution of 1789 infused among them the spirit of nationalism. ‘The State of Prussia lead the unification movement. Prussia Chancellor Bismarck played the role of a hero in the movement for German unification. It was under his able leadership that the task of unification was accomplished in 1871 1. French Revolution and Germany ‘On the eve of French Revolution of 1789, there was a vast empire in Central Europe, known as ‘Holy Roman Empire’ but now it was neither Holy nor Roman nor Empire, It consisted of about 360 German states, among them the prominent states were : Prussia, Austria, Hanover, Saxony, Bavaria, Wurttemburg, Hessen, Burnswick and Baden. The Rulers of hese states were practically independent. The head of the Holy Roman Empire was Austrian Emperor, he was elected by the rulers of different states, but during the 18th century his position had heen reduced 10 a nominal head. He could neither issue any orders nor keep an army nor frame any policy. There was a Diet consisting of rulers of various German states. The French Revolutionary (1789) ideals of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity influenced all the 12 Countries OF Europe And Germany could not remain unaffected by then, People of Western a }ermany got the fi lopt any occupation, equality before law and right eh Revolution created national awakening among. the Germans mw aand German Stites Napoleon Bonaparte is called the ‘Sit Several times nnd the small state Southern states of G 1 property. The Fre N eedom ‘arehiteet of modern Germany.’ He attacked Austria 4 Mroduced reforms and administrative changes in these states, He anne * of the Holy Roman Empire with one called “the Confederation of the leh Germany. Austria and Pi Aue Pruss ed other and created a union of 39 states *. It was an important step towards the unification of russia were not included in the confederation. After the battles of Jen and edt Napoleon followed the persecution against the Gemma, ls atrocities created a spirit OF Nationalism among the Germans. Now the led the movement for German unification, 2. Congress of Vienna and German Confederation The Congress of Vienna (1815) did not restore the 360 s they set up a loose 'Y wanted to oust the French from Germany. Pruss es of Holy Roman Empire rather -onfederation of 38 German states, it was also called ‘German Confederatios in 1817 when Hesse-F tomburg joined the con! federation, the number of member stati 38 to 39. Provision was made for a Federal Diet at Frankfurt. The Feder over by Austria. The ruler of every state was sovereign within his ten 8 rose from 1 Dict was to be presided itory, the sense of self Preservation forced him to oppose unification of the country and all the lbere, movements which could help the cause of German unification. The represent ive members of the Di Protcet the interests of their respeetive rulers. Austria and Prussia began to clash with cach other. Infact, the Diet failed 10 do anything worthwhile for Germany. The Diet had neither any a any federal court, According to William Carr, “Despite its name, the was no more a national stare than the old empire had been". Obstactes on the Way t0 German U: ‘The German unification was facing the following obstacles : ©. The Germans lacked the spirit of nationalism, 2. The rulers of German states had their own self of their nation as a whole, ct would try to ny nor German confederation ication Merests, They never thought of the interests 3. At the very outset, there was no able leader to lead the German National Movement, 4. The German states were involved in th nation, No German own local problems; they never thought of their fate was prepared to lead the German National Movement. & Something. regarding National Movement could be expected from Py us rulers were under the influence of reactiona 6. Austria was the biggest obs German states should get unite 7. Asn resn't of Napoleonic wars German peopl russia but unfortunately ty Austrian Chancellor Metternich, le on the way to German unification, She did not want that and soldiers had become tired. Now they 113 did not like to indulge in a problem in the near future §. The German political parties could not frame a uniform pol Austria should lead the national movement while others wanted that Prussia should: Soine of them wanted Ui 9, The reactionary nulers of German states would suppress the leaders of the nitive ‘Vhey had imposed restrictions on press and liberal ideas. 10. Politically Germany a backward country. The Germans. did not have any experience of revolution and democracy 3. Intellectual Awakening in Germany After 1815, serveral German philosophers and professors like Dahimann, Rottock, Gi and Mohl propagated liberal and revolutionary ideas. They were called political profe: people provided very intelligent leaders to the revolutionary movement of Germany. It was under the influence of these people that the students in various universities set up Revolutionary Associations and started national movement, Jena University became the centre of political activiti The students had established Burschenschaft Association during the period of Napoleon Bonaparte. {ts aim was to create political awareness and establish a Fatherland for Germans. The members of the Burschenschaft Association were infused with the spirit of national patriotism and their principles were; Honour, Freedom and Fatherland, Such student's association were also formed in the central and southern universities of Germany. The student’s associations began to spread in other parts from Jena and within wo years, 16 universities came under their control. Thus, Jena became the centre of German liberalism and the university students started a movement which went on growing car. The highest ideals of sobriety, chastity and German Unity were put before the people. 18 October 1817, the students of Jena University decided to celebrate tercentenary of the Protestant Reformation and the fourth anniversary of the Battle of Leipzig at Wartburg, About S00 students from different parts of Germany took part in the celebrations. After the provocative speeches on nationalism, the students burnt many things such as emblems of militarism, a copy of Napoleon Codes, a book of Kotzebue and many other documents. In October 1818, another session of students took place at Jena in which students from 14 universities participated. During this session an organisation of German students called ‘Allgemeine Deutsche Burschenschaft* ‘was established. Metternich attached the greatest importance to these celebratio of students. year after y According to him, the proceedings were merely a symbol of the revolutionary unrest prevailing among the people in Germany. Events that took place after 1817 strengthened the hands of Metternich. In March 1819, Kotzebue who was considered to be a Russian spy, was murdered by Karl Sand. Metternich decided to take full advantage of the circumstances. Goethe, Schiller, Hegel, a €reated intellectual awakening among the people. «4 Carlsbad Decrees Metternich and several despotic rulers of German states got alarmed at the happenings that took place at Jena University. He decided to suppress the liberal and intellectual move Geessny: ta August 1819, he called a secret meeting at Carlsbad in which re ind Fichte’s writin rent in sentatives of nine 14 | and those were German states participated, At the secret meeting, certain resolutions were passed i ree) Deere Submitted to Federal Diet which gave its approval. Those resolutions were called ‘Carisba According to these Decrees : |. The Associations of students were suppressed. 2. To supervise the activities of the students and students agents of the rulers were to be ‘Appointed in each college and University. 3. Strict censorship was impused on press, printing of newspapers. 4. The agent was to see to the strictist enforcement of the laws. — 5. The agent was to observe carefully the spirit shown by the teachers in the universities in their lecturers. y or college all those teachers who 6. It was the duty of the ruler to remove from the univers were teaching liberal or revolutionary ideas. 7. Such a teacher was not to be employed in any other educational institution, ersities were to be strictly enforced 8. The laws against secret socities in the u 9. Those persons who were considered to be members of seeret societies v admitted to any public office. 10. Provision was made for a Central Commission of Investigation consisting of'seven members. Ns function was to have a thorough investigation of the facts relating to revolutionary plots. any of them were sent to jails. e not to be 11, Several teachers were expelled from universities As a result of Carlsbad decrees national and revolutionary activities were stopped for ten irs and liberal reforms could not take place in many states, Fredrick William II! the Prussian King gave up the idea of introducing democratic constitution, Regarding Carlsbad Decrees, Ketelbey says, “The Carlsbad decree laid Germany under the heel of reaction.” 5. French Revolution of 1830 and Germany In July 1830, France witnessed another Revolution as a result of which Charles X of Bourbon dynasty had to give up the throne and in his place a liberal ruler Louis Phillip of Orleans dynasty was enthroned. The July Revolution in France had also effects on Germany. There were demands forthe grant of liberal constitution and the same were conceded by the rulers of Nassau, Burnswick, Hanover, saxony and Hersse-Cassel. The rulers of Bavaria, Wurttemburg confirmed the liberat _ constitutions which they had given after 1815. However, Metternich was able once his hold over Germany and the Carlsbad decrees were re-confirmed. The conference was held at Viernna and it was decided to take action against liberal tendencies of the press and the univers New steps to curb the revolutionary activities proved more effective. Now started opposing Matternich’s policies; they started supporting the 6. Zollverein-Economic Unity Zollverein was a kind of customs’ union. Before 1818, each district in Prussia had its own customs and there were about 67 tariffs area in Prussia alone, These areas stood in the way of ies, gland and France iberal movements in Germany. 115 ‘Trade and unity. On account of a large number of customs houses, there was a few In 1818, The Tariff Reforms law was passed, By that Act all raw materials were to be enal custom duties were abolished. Heavy duties on tariff passin; imported free All in sto join Prussia, The result was P cre imposed with a view to compel other states to join through: Prussia were imposed that Prussia became tree trade Motz Zollverein or customs tinion was set up on I January 1834, Eighteen German states joi customs union. These states against to have free trade with one another. As Austria believed rea. As a result of the efforts of Finance Ministers Massena policy of protective trade, she did not show any interest in joining the Zollverein second! not like the dominance of Prussia. After the downfall of Matternich in 1848, Zollverein but Prussia failed her plan The establishment of Zollverein is regarded as the most important event. According to William Carr. “This was an epoch-making event.......This was a first step towards a wider political union.” The rulers of various German states gave up their economic rights for the sake of common. financial interests of the country. There was a great progress in trade in Germany. There was 2 great improvement in railways and postal system. This economic unity proved very helpful on the way to political unity in Germany. The formation of customs union under the leadership was very significant. Prussia gained dominant position in Germany and under her leadership political unity of Germany became possible. In the words of Ketelbey, “Prussia found herself by 1850 at the head of a powerful economic union of nearly all Germany excluding Austria. It was a direct preparation for the Empire of 1870.” While describing the importance of Zollverein Marriot and Roberts on say, “For the first time, Germany became a fiscal and commercial unit The Zollverein united the German states in bonds of mutual economic interest; it united t under the leadership of Prussia and it accutomed them to the exclusion of Austria from ¢/ Germanic body.” According to Fyfe, “The semblance of political union was carefully avouted, but the germs of political union were nevertheless present in the growing com material interests.” 7. Revolution of 1848 and Germany In February 1848 another Revolution broke out in France. Monarchy was abolished and King Louis Philip was over thrown. France was declared as a Republic. The Revolution had ite effects various Europeon states and Germany could not remain unaffected. Austrian Chancellor Matternich fled his country; when this news reached Germany people demand 1. Liberal Agitations and Revolts in diferrent German First of all, on 27 February the Revolutionaries hel gave a new constitution to the nity of led constitutional governments. States id a Congress in Baden; the ruler of Baden People and his example was followed by Wurtembure, N | new co 2, Nassau, Burswick, Weimar Darmstadt and Hersse-Cassel. Hanovar and Saxony also got liberal constitution. The King of Baveria was forced to abdicate and his liberal son Mexinati : e f i. ‘million Il was offered th throne. In this way, constitutional governments were set up in Southern, vontal States of Germany. mM 116 in March and the king pple und ultimately the become the leader jiament to France _ © far as Prussia was concerned, there was some trouble in Berlin it a liberal constitution. There was a clash between the (oer and the peo ing of Prussia had to remove the troops from the capital. He also promised to of a ree and new hom German Nation, It as also deeided to call national Par! fa German Federal Diet which would "andl uniform system of laws for the whole nation. But later on ry counselors he did not fulfill his promise. He Parliament. 2 constitution. He also promised to help in the formation o' have one national flag, one a under the influence of Bismarck and reactionar introduced new constitution but granted Timited powers #0 the 1, Frankfurt Parliament and Plan for German Unification On 5 March 1848, 50 leaders met at Heidelberg and invitations wert issued to the members of various state legislatures in Germany. On 31 March, 1848 about 600 persons attended the meeting, at Frankfurt. It was called Vorparlament. According to Taylor, “The Revolutions of Vienna and Berlin allowed the Germans to determine their own destinies for the frst tine Pi their history.” Inthe Parliament, it was decided that under one head German states should ‘be unified and Parliamentary Government be set up. It was also decided that a National ‘Assembly of elected members of different states be called and it should be offered the task of unification ‘of Germany and framing of the constitution. On 1 May, 1848 elections were held and on 18 May, 1848 National Assembly was formed, which i called *Prankfurt Parliament The total number ofits members was 585. After «hued labour of ten months the Parliament prepared a constitution for the whole Germany in March, 1849. According to the constitution, Austria was kept aloof from Germany and it was decided that the Prussian Emperor should be offered the throne of German Empire. On 3 April, 1849 a delevation ofthe Frankfurt Parliament met Fredrick William IV and offered him the throne of German Empire but he rejected the offer on 3 Apri, 1849. Infact, he was not in sympathy with the aspirations of Frankfurt Parliament. He was not prepared to be a ‘serf of the revolution’. He believed in the Divine Right of Kings and was not prepared to accept the constitution framed by the Frankfurt Parliament. He might have accepted the throne, ifthe same had been offered to him by the princes, but he refused to accept it from the people, He was not prepared to accept ‘the crown of shame, out of the ‘gutter’, He himself had said, “T will nor stoop (0 pick the crown out of the gutter.” Thus, with his refusal to accept the crown ended the Frankfurt parliament and the plen of German unification of the liberals got ase! back ‘According to Eyck, “Fredrick William Ihom the historic hour demanded.” Fredrick William TV knew that the throne ustria and Russia, for which he was not prepared. Besides, the was nota man, wl of Germany would mean war with A sey of South Germany were opposed to this plan. 17%, Erfurt Plan of German Unification sick William TV refused the throne offered by the Frankfurt Parliament, he tied he German states under his leadership in nother wey. lis Minister Radowitz prepared a Prussia Hanover and Saxony. He prepared a draft of the constitution dofthe anion, According to the plan, Prussia was to be the President of Although Fred to unite, Hague of three states i which was fo be the basis os a a 2 mL am _— 7 , y 17 eg and Austria was excluded from it. The rulers ofthe remaining states were ae aa cn the league, Soon 17 small Geran states joined the league. Austris opposed this hor infvence Bavaria and Wurttemburg did not join the league. In October, 1849, Henge and ander erro tel the league. In March, 1850, a German Parliament met at Erfurt er » oo Chancellor of Austria was determined to establish the Austrian hold vet y the act ff King of Prussia to cont i y ‘was not prepared to allow the activities of ° : i en hat a war like situation became possible. Ultimately, Prussia the college of princes ue, The relations between the two states SO worsened th a g t had to surrender before Austria and had to sign a humiliating Treaty of Olmutz in 1850. According tothe Treaty, Prussia gave up her plan and accepted old German confederation under the leadership Of Austria, According to Eyek, “It was the deepest humiliation in Prussia’ history since the haule of Jona”. tn this way, Prussia once again became victim of Austria's reactionary policy. IV. Causes of the Failure of Unification Movement ‘Though, during 1815-1848 several constitutional reforms took place in various German states, the movement of German unification did not succeed. ‘There were several causes of its failure : First, there was no unity among the German liberals. Some of them wanted to establish a Republican type of government in Germany; some were in favour of constitutional Monarchy, while others were in favour of establishing a socialistic regime. Besides though the German liberals were men of lofty ideals they lacked practical experience in the field of administration. Secondly, Austria who was President of the German Confederation in 1815, she was opposed to any other plan of German unification. During 1815-48, Austrian Chancellor Metternich was the policeman of Europe. He issued several decrees to crush the efforts of the liberals. Even after Metternich’s downfall Austria’s control over German Diet was complete. ‘Thirdly, the Prussiain ruler Fredrick William IV was responsible to some extent for the failure of the German unification movement. He was not in favour of German liberals and he rejected the offer of the crown of Germany presented to him by the Frankfurt Parliament. After this, his plan of Unification was opposed by Austria. Being afraid of Austria as a coward man he withdrew his plan. Fourth, several rulers of German states were under the influence of Austria: these rulers dare not support the unification movement against the wishes of Austria. Fifthly, as a result of the persecution of liberals by the Austrian government and the rulers of German states, thousands of liberals fled to America, As a result, the movement became weak, Sixth, during this period, the German revolutionaries could not avail the services of an able leader. Seventh, the German Revolution of 1848 was an integral part of European Revolution: this Revolution failed not only in Germany but in the whole of Europe. According to William Carr, "The tragedy of the German Revolution must be seen aguinst the European back / he : ‘ground which it was an integral part, The revolution of 1848 haul fuiled not only in Germa i over Europe. my, but all Though the liberal leaders of Frankfurt Parliament did not succeed yet their effors oe TI 118 where the national sentiments “Nevertheless it had I defined a political of go was This was the first meeting of the German patriots, i mans were clearly expressed. According to C.D.M. Ketelbey, siven a marked and definite expression to German National sentiment and ideal of unity, which was never to be abandoned. V. Efforts for German Unification From 1849-1861 After the failure of Revolution of 1848, Austria re-establ u states for the next 16 years but during this period their mutual relations became strained. After his humiliation at Olmutz, Prussia had turned against Austria. Bismarck started opposing Austria on every issue at the Frankfurt Diet and started provoking Princes of German states in favour of Prussia. During this period German scholars like; Hausser Sybel and Trietschke propagated the issue of German unification under the leadership of Prussia. Prof. Treitsehke often used to say We have no German Fatherland; and the Hohenzollerns alone can give us." The writings and speeches of these philosophers deeply influenced the people and the demand for German unification under the leadership of Prussia began to increase. It was only after 1861 that things hed her control over the German began to take practical shape. 2. Reign of William I and the Role of Bismarck After the death of Fredrick William IV, his brother William I ascended the throne of Prussia in 1861. At the time of his accession, he was 64 years old. He was very wise and intelligent. He believed in the greatness of Prussia. He was full of confidence. He was a great judge of men. He wanted that Germany could be united only under the leadership of Prussia. He wanted to make Prussia a very strong and powerful monarchy. According to him, “Whoever aspires to rule over Germany must seize it for himself.” As he had the ability to judge capable officers, he appointed. Moltke as the Chief of the Army Staff and Roon as his War Minister. In 1862, he appointed Bismarck as his Prime Minister. It was a master-stroke of his genius. It was, as a result of Bismarck’s efforts that the task of German unification could be accomplished. 1. Early Career of Bismarck and Plan for German Unification marek was born on | April, 1815 at Schonhausen (Brandenburg). His father was a junker and his mother was the daughter of a distinguished civil servant. He received his education at Berlin and Hanover. He was trained for a diplomatic career. In 1845 he married Johana, a girl of noble family, after this, he entered politics. In 1847, he became member of Berlin’s Legislative Assembly. During the revolutionary events of 1848-49 he severaly opposed the revolutionaries and supported the Divine Rights of the Emperor. In 1851, he was sent to Federal Diet of Germany as ‘an ambassador of Prussia where he worked for 8 years and made efforts to unite different German states with Prussia, he strengthened fiscal relations with these states and opposed Austrian policies. In 1859, Bismarck was appointed Prussian Ambassdor in Russia and he stayed there for three years. During his stay there, he tried to win over Russia to the side of Prussia, In 1862, he was appointed the Prussia Ambassardor in France, he had hardly occupied that position for a few months when he was summoned in September 1862 to Berlin to become the Minister-President 10 Thus, at the age of 47 he became the supreme leader of Prussia. According to Bismarck took office in 1862, he found his policies and enemies ready made Jor. "When After becoming Minister President of Prussia in 1862, his mi pification of Gi jon was to acco: iany under the leadership of Prussia. He remarked. “My yreatew ani hd the Germans into a nation.” Bismarck was very intelligent and far knew Austria and France are two obstacles on the way to German unific ation, therefore Prussia would have to fight st both of them. To achieve this object, a very strong and well equipped army was required, William 1, hing of Prussia was determined to increase the Prussian Army, bu the Landtag had refused to sanction the funds for the same. It is stated when his appointment made in 1862 even King William | was not impressed. He referred to him as a the reactionary. He was given the titles of a “Swagge Napoteon-wars! was oughbred i junker", “a horrow braggart,” “a ipper” and “a town uprooter”. However, it was this unimpre: who performed the Herculean job of German unification. Speal ive person g in the Budget Committee, he Summed up his policy in these words, “Not by speeches and majority votes are the greatest questions of the day solved but by blood and iron.” When the Landtag (Parliament) refused to pass the finance bill regarding the re-organisation of Army, People. In this way, with the help of Moltke, he was able to Before fighting ag; he forcibly imposed taxes on the maintain a large and strong army st Austria and France, Bismarck had to fight against Denmark 2. War against Denmark, 1864 A.D. : In 1864, Bismarck had to fight a war against Denmark The main cause of the war was the problem of Schleswig and Holstein, These two Duchies were in the South of Denmark, These duchies were populated with Danes and Germans, The King of Denmark was the ruler of these Duchies but he could not annex these Duchies with Denmark, iv 1863, a new constitution of Denmark was framed; accordin; could annex Schleswig and Holst g to the new constitution, Denmark into Denmark. In 1863, Christian IX, the new King of Denmark decided to annex these two Duchies; Bismarck planned to take action against him. He signed {reaty with Austria on 16 January, 1864 and got her help against Denmark. Both of them vs Denmark not to implement the new constitution. At her refusal, the combined armies of and Prussia marchad towards Denmark and defeated her. Christian IX gave up his claim on both the Duchies and agreed to abide by the decision ofthe victors. According to the Gastein Com cention of 1865, Austria got the control of Holstein and Prussia got Schleswing, Gastein agreement was a displomatic vietory of Bismarck. Bismarck was very cunning, he got Schleswig for Prussia and Bave the Duchy of Holstein to Austria which was far away from her and was difficult to keep it under her control. It was surronded by Prussia on all sides, Most of the people in this Duchy were Germans who wanted the annexation of Holstein with Prussia, It was on this Pretext that Bismarck fought the next war with Austr 3. War against Austria, 1866 A.D. : Accordin; was made the President of German Confederation; Austria and Prussia, In 1834, under the leadershi armed Austria russin 'g t0 the Vienna Settlement (1815), Austria since then bitterness had been going on between ip of Prussia, Economic unity or Zollverein was 120 formed of German states and Austria was excluded from this organisation. Now. Austrian began to covy Prussia. In 1849-50, when Fredrick William IV made a plan of German unification, the Austr Chancellor opposed the plan vehemently and forced her withdraw his plan by the treaty of Olmutz; Prussia could not furget this humiliation, she developed feelings of hatred against Austria, After becoming the Minister President in 1862. Bismarck realised that without defeating Austria ina war German unification is not possible. Therefore, he organised a large and strong army to fight a Successful war against Austria. In 1864, Bismarck with the help of Austria defeated Denmark and B0t the Duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. Now, at the pretext of these two Duchies, he decided to fight 2 war against Austria. Intentionally, he gave the Duchy of Holstein to Austr difficult for Austria to control and administer the Duchy of Holstein as it was surrounded by Prussia. Austria violated the Treaty of Gastein and raised the issue of Duchies at the Frankfurt Convention. Bismarck accused Austria of violating the Treaty of Gastein and sent his forces to Holstein. Austria got provoked and sent Federal forces against Prussia. This led to the Austro- Prussian war of 1866. it was Before the wer with Austria, Bismarck moved very diplomatically to isolate Austria in European Politics. Since 1856, England had been following a policy of Splendid Isolation. She kept herself aloof from international affairs. Bismarck got a promise from Napoleon IIL, that he would remain neutral at the time of war with Austria. Russia had very cordial relations with Prus sought Piedmont’s help and in turn promised to give her Vert Was successful in isolating Austria, Bismarck afier the war. In this way, Bismarck ‘The war between Austria and Prussia lasted for seven weeks, that is why it is called for Seven Weeks’ war. In the beginning, it appeared that Austria would be successful as she had the support of Baveria, Saxony and other small states of Germany. However the Prussian Militiar Organisation was so efficient that Austria could not stand it. The main battle took place at Sadowa from 16 June 1866 to 3 July 1866. In the Seven Weeks’ war Austria was defeated by Prussia. Afier this victory Prussian troops clamoured for a march on Vienna but Bismarck was opposed to such a move and witimately he had his way. He offered very lenient terms to Austria and the same cd by the Treaty of Prague, 1866. According to the Treaty 1. Germ federation was dissolved, Austria had to pay 30 lakh pounds to Prussia as war inderumity. 2. Prussia got the Duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, Hanover and the city of Frankfurt 3. Austria handed over Venetia to Piedmont-Sardinia, 4, Austria was ousted from German politics 4, Formaticn of North German Confederation Oo 4 August 1866, Bismarck called a met A Sua 1g of North German states in Berlin. In the meeting ed form a confederation of North German states. 22 states of North Germany joined » te vontideration, The North German confederation passed its constitution on 17 April, 1867: the Parliaments of different states accepted the constitution and implemented it on | July, 1867. According ea Ne ~~ ase ee Fe 121 “The task of making a ¢ pertsom. to CG Rol ‘Onstitution and of uni prussia, undisturbed either by enemies with out vierorious Pras yeontinuons ard hard work.” Prussia Emperor w ae rey ie was 10 DE ASSISted by a chancellor wy lor was g ting North Germany ¢ out or within, had occupied ef vas appointed the he mn 4 ‘ho wi fa age cans en to Bismarck. A Parti vated. These members Were to be elected for three sn Franco-Prussian-War 1870-71 : German states was formed in 1867, the Sout ad of the Gernian ‘8 invested with enormous powers, lament consisting of 300 members was years, through universal F ranchise. When the North German confederation of Northern th German states of Bavaria, Wi Herse-Damstadt did not join the North German Confederation ac these » ruled by Prussia. Its main cause w: furttemburg, Baden and tates did not want to be y as that the majority of the People of these states believed in Eatholic faith wh le Prussians believed in Protestantism, whom the followers of catholic faith did not ike, These people were nearer to catholic France than to protestant Prussia. In order to complete the task of German unification, Bismarch wanted to annex the Southern states in every possible way but these states had the support of France. Under such circumstances, Bismarck decided to cultivate the spirit of nationalism in these states and succeeded in assuring them that France was their national enemy, During the Austro-Prussian war Napoleon If remained neutral because Bismarck had promised him some territory. After the war Napoleon III made a demand of South German sates in writing. Bismarck showed that letter to the rulers of South German states and provoked them against France and signed a treaty with them against France. Bismarck after annexing the Southern states wanted to fight a war against France. He believed that without a successful war with France the annexation of South German states with Germany was not possible. He used to say, “A war with France would the war with Austria, lay in the logic o of history 1 did not doubt that a Franco-German war must take place before the construction of united Germany could be realised. Asa result of neutrality during the Austro-Prussian war, Napoleon III faced a great humiliation. {twas a great set back to his prestige, the French believed that it was infact France who was defeated at Sadowa. Napoleon III now wanted to avenge that humiliation. He decided that he would not allow the annexation of South German states with North German Confederation, Moreover opposition to Napoleon III was increasing in France and he felt that the only way to win over the support of all the sections of the people of France was by declaring a war against Prussia, It was under these circumstances that the trap was laid by Bismarck and Napoleon III entered the same. On the question of Spanish succession, Bismarck created such a critical situation that France declared war against Prussia on 19 July, 1870. In this war Prussia was joined by four South German states. France was not helped by any European state in this war. Consequently, Prussia defeated France in several battles. The battle of Sedan fought on 1 September 1870 was the most significant of all the battles, Napoloen IM along with his thousands of suldiers was taken prisoner, The German armies captured the fortresses of Strausbourg and Metz and took possession of Paris The French armies laid down their arms and signed Treaty of Frankfurt with Prussia on 10 May 187) According to this treaty, France paid a huge war indemnity to Prussia. She also had wo 122 Surrender the territories of Als 6. Annexation of South battle of 7 fi r x and Metz, Sace Lorraine and the fortresses of Straubourg an Germ n States with North German Confederation : After the after some reluctance all the "'Sedan, Rismarck started talks withthe Southern states, afler some reluctance a states including Bava aria and Wurttemberg agreed to join the German Confederation A splendid ceremony was held in the famous Hall of Mirvors st Versailles in 1871 wher Xing of Prussia was declared the Emperor Gert ¥y. The rulers of southern states of Ger Hanes the ceremonies, in this way the unification of Germany was completed. According to Hazen, “The Treaty of Frankfurt remained the open sore of Europe after 1871, France Could never forget ar forgive deep humiliation of it 3. The Austro-Prussian War-1866 russian war of 1866 is regarded one of the most important events in the European History. This war was fought between two prominent states of Germany; Austria and Prus detailed account of its causes, events and results is given below : also any The Austro-Pr 3.1. Causes |. Treaty of Vienna; 1815 : According to the Vienna settlement, a loose confederation of 38 German States was formed, it was called Austria, a Federal Diet was set up in Fi ice then the relations between the two had been strained. Though, through the Holy Alliance Russia, One another in crushing the Revolutios each other. Austria and Prussia ‘supported nary and liberal movements, yet Austria and Prussia envied 2. Zollverein (Customs Union) : In 1834, under the leadership of Prussia a customs union of 18 German states was formed. It was called ‘Zollvevein’. ‘These states started the policy of Free Trade with one another. Austria was excluded from this union, She did not tolerate the formation of Zoliverein and tried to crush it but in-vain 3. Austria Humiliates Prussia at Olmutz : In 1849 Prussia planned to form a union of German states and called a meeting at Erfurt to gi Ve it a final shape. The Austrian Chancellor in i-Austria feelings became stronger. 4, Prussia’s opposition to Austrin in the Diet : From 1851 to 1859 Bismarck represented Prussia in the Diet at Frankfurt, during this period he challenged the Special privileges of the Austrian Chancellor, Bismarck opposed! Austria at several This led to bitterness between Austria and Prussia 5. The Crimean War 1854-56 : In 1854 a war by Crimea: England and France took sides wi suggestions, 123 German ¢ federation should SUPPOFT the Western powe German Confedera rs a tAinst Russia. Bismare fi ww was endorsed by the represent ‘ eral ae Cea fatives of other German ¢ es. Consequently, I annoyed with Prussia. Pr rroposal; his vie _ res proposal was rejected: Austria felt humiliated. She fe pout during the CHAN War, Both Russia and #4

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