Otto von Bismarck was the architect of ‘German Unification’. Explain. [ All India 2012 ]
Answers
Answer:
Otto von Bismarck was the true architect of Germany who played an important role in the unification of the country. He is known for his policy of ‘Blood and Iron’. Otto von Bismarck and the German unification:
(i) The middle class Germans in 1848 tried to unite the different regions of the German confederation into a nation—state.
(ii) Prussian Chief Minister, Otto von Bismarck, with the help of the army and bureaucracy
carried out the task of unification.
carried out the task of unification. (iii) Three wars over seven years with Austria, Denmark and France ended in Prussian victory and completed the process of unification.
(iv) On 18th January 1871, the Prussian King, Kaiser William-I was proclaimed German emperor in a ceremony held at Versailles in the presence of important officials, army representatives and Otto von Bismarck.
Hope this will help you
Explanation:
(1) In 1948, a large number of political associations comprising of middle class professionals, businessmen and prosperous artisans tried to unite the different regions of Germany into a nation-state governed by an elected parliament. (2) This initiative was repressed by the combined forces of the monarchy and the army, supported by landowners of Prussia.
(3) Prussia took over the leadership of the movement for national unification. Its Chief Minister Bismarck was the architect of this process.
(4) He followed the policy of Blood-Iron to materialize the nationalist aspirations. He took the help of the Prussian army and bureaucracy over a period of seven years, fought three wars with Austria, Denmark and France and emerged victorious.
(5) These victories completed the process of unification of Germany. In January, 1871, the Prussian King Kaiser William I was proclaimed the German Emperor.