Explain the process of German unification. In brief
Answers
Answer:
The following are the process of German Unification :
• After 1848, nationalism in Europe moved away its association with democracy and revolution.
• Nationalist sentiments were often mobilised by conservatives for promoting state power and achieving political domination over Europe.
• Nationalist feeling were widespread among middle-class Germans in 19 century.
• In 1848, they tried to unite the different regions of the German confederation into a nation state governed by an elected parliament.
• The first attempt for unification of Germany was made in 18th century through the establishment of constitutional monarchy under the leadership of King Friedrich Wilhelm, by conveying a parliament at Frankfurt. The Prussian king rejected the move and joined the other monarchs to oppose the elected assembly.
• The liberal initiative to nation building was repressed by the combined forces of the monarchy and the military, supported by the large landowners called Junkers of Prussia.
• Prussia took on the leadership of Otto Von Bismarck, who became the architect of this process.
He was known as the architect of German unification.
• He fought three wars over seven years with Austria, Denmark and France which ended in Prussian victory.
• Prussia won the territories of Bohemia, Sudetenland, Tyrol, Schleswig in Austro-Prussia war (1866), the territories of Thuringian states and Schewerin in Denmark - Prussia war and the territories of Rhineland, Ruhr and Westphalia in Franco-Prussia war (1871). This completed the process of unification of Germany. That is why Otto Von Bismarck was known as 'the man of blood and iron'.
• This win led to Bismarck becoming the chancellor of North Confederation in 1867.
• After the win, in the Royal Palace of Versailles, the King of Prussia was crowned as the German Emperor. It symbolised the birth of a united Germany.
• Prussian King Kaiser William I was proclaimed as German emperor at Versailles on January 1871. Then on 18th January, 1871 , a united German empire headed by Kaiser William I was proclaimed.
In this way the Unification of Germany was completed.
Answer:
Otto von Bismarck and the German unification:
1. The middle class Germans in 1848 tried to unite the different regions of the German confederation into a-state.
2. Prussian Chief Minister, Otto Von Bismarck, with the help of the army and bureaucracy carried out the task of unification.
3. Three wars over seven years with Austria, Denmark and France ended in Prussian victory and completed the process of unification.
4. On 18th January 1871, the Prussian King , Kaiser William-1 was proclaimed German emperor in a ceremony held at Versailles in the presence of important officialls, army representatives and Otto von Bismarck.m