The Unification of Germany for AP World History

Dec 8, 2023

7 min read

Germany is a relatively young country. Instead, the area that is modern Germany was a collection of smaller kingdoms. All of that changed because of one man, Otto von Bismark. He fought two wars to achieve his goal of a unified Germany controlled by the Prussian nobility. Read the Google slides to learn more about the unification of Germany.

A Brief History of Germany

Early Germanic Tribes: The Germanic tribes, including the Saxons, Franks, Alamanni, and Thuringians, lived in tribal societies with a decentralized political structure. They practiced agriculture, animal husbandry, and engaged in trade.

Roman Influence: The Roman Empire extended its influence into Germania Magna (the Roman term for the region), but the Roman efforts to conquer and control the area were met with resistance from Germanic tribes. The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD, where Germanic forces defeated Roman legions, is a notable event.

Migration Period (ca. 375-568 AD): The Migration Period, also known as the Völkerwanderung, saw the movement of various Germanic tribes, including the Vandals, Visigoths, and Ostrogoths. The Huns’ invasions in the east pushed Germanic tribes into the Roman Empire, impacting the region.

Clovis and the Merovingians: In the late 5th and early 6th centuries, Clovis, the King of the Franks, established the Merovingian dynasty. Clovis’ conversion to Christianity in 496 had significant implications for the region’s religious landscape.

Emergence of Tribal Kingdoms: By 500 AD, various Germanic tribes had formed tribal kingdoms, marking the initial stages of more centralized political structures. The Frankish Kingdom under the Merovingians and the emergence of the Ostrogothic and Visigothic kingdoms were notable developments.

Early Medieval Period (500-1000): The region now known as Germany was part of the Carolingian Empire under Charlemagne. After the Carolingian Empire’s decline, the East Frankish Kingdom emerged, laying the foundation for the Holy Roman Empire.

Holy Roman Empire (962-1500): The Holy Roman Empire, a loose confederation of territories, was established in 962. The Investiture Controversy (11th-12th centuries) marked a power struggle between emperors and popes over the appointment of bishops. The empire experienced periods of relative stability, but it remained politically fragmented, with numerous princely states, free cities, and ecclesiastical territories.

The Hanseatic League (12th-17th centuries): Trade and commerce flourished in northern Germany through the Hanseatic League, a commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds. Cities like Lübeck, Hamburg, and Bremen played key roles in this economic network.

Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648): The Thirty Years’ War, sparked by religious and political tensions, ravaged the Holy Roman Empire. The Peace of Westphalia (1648) concluded the war and led to significant territorial and political changes. The Peace recognized the independence of the Dutch Republic and the Swiss Confederacy and granted greater autonomy to numerous German states.

Prussia

Prussia’s story is a fascinating journey that began in the 13th century when the Teutonic Knights of the Holy Roman Empire crusaded against the pagan Old Prussians in Central Europe. The Teutonic Knights established the State of the Teutonic Order in Prussia. In 1525, the last Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights, Albert of Brandenburg, secularized the order’s territory, becoming the first Duke of Prussia as a Polish vassal state. The “Great Elector” Frederick William in the 17th century strengthened Prussia’s military and administrative institutions. In 1701, Elector Frederick I declared himself King in Prussia, elevating the region to a kingdom.

Otto von Bismarck, Prime Minister of Prussia in the 19th century, orchestrated the unification of Germany through wars with Austria and France. In 1871, King Wilhelm I of Prussia became the first Emperor of the German Empire, marking a pivotal moment in German history. Prussia’s legacy would shape the German Empire and influence the trajectory of Europe in the coming decades.

Frederick William

Frederick William, known as the Great Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, was a pivotal figure in the history of Brandenburg-Prussia during the 17th century. As the Elector of Brandenburg from 1640 to 1688, he earned the title “Great Elector” due to his transformative impact on the state. Facing challenges such as the devastation of the Thirty Years’ War and territorial losses, Frederick William implemented crucial reforms that laid the foundation for Prussia’s rise as a major power in Europe. Recognizing the strategic importance of a strong military, he reorganized and modernized the army, establishing a disciplined and well-trained force. Frederick William also pursued economic policies to encourage immigration, foster trade, and stimulate economic growth. His initiatives strengthened the central authority, enabling him to exert greater control over his territories. The Great Elector’s astute governance and foresight significantly contributed to the eventual prominence of Prussia, setting the stage for the accomplishments of his successors, particularly Frederick the Great.

Otto von Bismark

Otto von Bismarck, a towering figure in 19th-century European history, was a master strategist and statesman whose political acumen significantly shaped the course of German unification. Serving as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Prussia from 1862 to 1890, Bismarck employed a policy of Realpolitik, a pragmatic approach to politics that prioritized practical considerations over ideological principles.

Bismarck skillfully orchestrated a series of wars, including the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 and the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, to achieve the long-sought goal of German unity. In 1871, under Bismarck’s guidance, King Wilhelm I of Prussia was crowned Emperor of the newly unified German Empire. Bismarck’s domestic policies aimed at consolidating imperial authority, balancing conservative and liberal interests through social reforms, and isolating potential adversaries. However, his dismissal by Emperor Wilhelm II in 1890 marked the end of his political career. Otto von Bismarck’s legacy endures as the “Iron Chancellor” and architect of modern Germany, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s history and the broader geopolitical landscape of 19th-century Europe.

The Austro-Prussian War

The Austro-Prussian War of 1866, also known as the Seven Weeks’ War, was a pivotal conflict in the lead-up to the unification of Germany. Fought between the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia, the war was a culmination of tensions within the German Confederation. Otto von Bismarck, the Prime Minister of Prussia, sought to diminish Austrian influence and pave the way for a more unified Germany under Prussian leadership. The conflict erupted over the question of leadership in the German states and escalated swiftly. The Prussian military, led by Helmuth von Moltke, demonstrated superior organization and employed modern military tactics, particularly in the battles of Königgrätz and Sadová. The war concluded swiftly with the Austrians suffering a decisive defeat. The Peace of Prague in 1866 formalized the dissolution of the German Confederation, leaving Austria out of German affairs and allowing Prussia to establish the North German Confederation. The Austro-Prussian War set the stage for further German unification and demonstrated the effectiveness of Bismarck’s realpolitik strategies in reshaping the political landscape of Central Europe.

The Ems Telegraph Incident

The Ems Telegram incident played a crucial role in escalating tensions between France and Prussia, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870. The incident took place in the context of the search for a candidate to fill the vacant Spanish throne.

In July 1870, Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, a member of the Prussian royal family, was offered the Spanish crown. The French, concerned about the potential of a Hohenzollern prince on the Spanish throne, protested, viewing it as a threat to the balance of power in Europe. After some diplomatic exchanges, Prince Leopold withdrew his candidacy.

The Ems Telegram, which proved to be a pivotal moment, was a dispatch drafted by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck and sent from the spa town of Bad Ems to King Wilhelm I of Prussia. Bismarck, known for his strategic political maneuvers, edited the telegram to make it appear that the French ambassador, Count Benedetti, had been disrespectful and demanding during a meeting with the king.

Bismarck’s edited version of the telegram created a public uproar in both France and Prussia. In France, it fueled anti-Prussian sentiments and nationalist fervor, pushing Napoleon III to declare war on Prussia. In Prussia, it fostered a sense of national unity and support for the war.

The Ems Telegram incident is a classic example of diplomatic manipulation, showcasing Bismarck’s skill in using public opinion to achieve political objectives. The subsequent Franco-Prussian War had profound consequences, leading to the unification of Germany and the reshaping of the European political landscape.

The Franco-Prussian War

Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of Prussia, orchestrated the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871 as a strategic move in his larger plan to unify the German states under Prussian leadership. Bismarck, a master of Realpolitik, sought to create a sense of German nationalism and unity by presenting France as a common external threat. He aimed to shift the allegiance of the southern German states, historically aligned with Austria, to Prussia. Having successfully isolated Austria in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, Bismarck turned his attention to France to prevent a potential Franco-Austrian coalition against Prussia. Recognizing the power of nationalism, Bismarck believed that a victorious war against France could strengthen the position of the Prussian monarchy and garner support for his domestic policies. The Ems Telegram incident provided the opportunity to provoke France into declaring war. The subsequent Franco-Prussian War saw rapid Prussian victories, culminating in the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871. King Wilhelm I of Prussia became Emperor (Kaiser) of a unified Germany, achieving Bismarck’s long-term goal of German unification under Prussian dominance.

The German Empire

Established on January 18, 1871, in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, the German Empire marked the official unification of various German states under the leadership of Prussia. King Wilhelm I of Prussia assumed the title of German Emperor (Kaiser), symbolizing the newfound unity. Chancellor Otto von Bismarck’s astute political maneuvers and military victories had successfully achieved the long-sought goal of German nationalism. The empire consisted of powerful states like Prussia, Bavaria, Saxony, and others, forming a federal structure. Bismarck continued to play a central role in shaping the empire’s policies, implementing domestic reforms such as the establishment of a common currency and a centralized federal government. The German Empire quickly became an industrial and military powerhouse, undergoing rapid economic growth and modernization. However, the centralized and authoritarian nature of the government, led by the conservative Hohenzollern monarchy, also created political tensions, laying the groundwork for complex dynamics that would unfold in the years to come.

King Wilhelm I

King Wilhelm I, a pivotal figure in 19th-century German history, played a central role in the unification of Germany and the establishment of the German Empire. Born in 1797, Wilhelm became King of Prussia in 1861 and, following the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, assumed the title of German Emperor (Kaiser) on January 18, 1871. His reign marked a transformative era for Germany, as the various independent German states unified under Prussian leadership. Wilhelm I’s collaboration with Chancellor Otto von Bismarck was instrumental in achieving this goal, and his proclamation as Emperor took place in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. Although initially hesitant about accepting the imperial title, Wilhelm’s symbolic role as the first German Emperor represented the newfound unity of the German states. His reign also witnessed significant industrial and economic growth in the newly formed German Empire. Wilhelm I’s death in 1888 marked the end of an era, paving the way for his son, Frederick III, and the eventual ascension of Wilhelm II.

Would you rather watch a video about the unification of Germany?