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Germany Unification
Introduction
The Unification of Germany was a remarkable event in the history of nationalism and nation-building. The event had made a far-reaching impact on European politics for so many decades. The unification of Germany was officially announced on 18 January 1871 in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles in France.
German Polity before Unification
Before the unification, Germany was divided into many small kingdoms and it became a confederation of German princedoms through the Treaty of Verdun in 843 CE. A similar system existed in Germany till the 1800s; the majority of the kingdoms were functioning like autonomous units and others were under the control of the Roman Empire. This particular system of having small states in the empire was referred to as the "practice of kleinstaaterei” or “practice of small states”. The onset of the Industrial Revolution has made these kingdoms have more connections and interactions through improved communication, trade, and transportation facilities. During the time of the Napoleonic wars, the Holy Roman Empire was dissolved which led to the new wave of liberal and nationalist thoughts among the intellectuals which later spread to the entire society.
German Nationalism
The new wave of nationalism got shaped after the Congress of Vienna, 1815 which established a confederation of German states under the strong leadership of the Austrian Empire. The Austrian empire maintained a policy of no tolerance toward emerging German nationalistic ideas and they have suppressed all such initiatives to consolidate and continue their rule in the region. Prussia, which was a part of the German Confederation attempted to establish German nationalistic sentiments for a future German Empire. It slowly generated rivalry between the Austrian Empire and the Prussian rulers, but they continued to work for the German confederation. Such an attempt was initiated in the year 1848 to create a German confederation under the control of Prussia, but other kingdoms with the support of the Austrian empire have shattered their dreams. The objective of this attempt was to unify Germany and the making of constitutional and liberal governments in the States.
A significant change occurred in the German Unification initiatives with the appointment of Otto Von Bismarck as the Prime Minister of Prussia. He was an ambitious leader and a strong supporter of German Unification, he had decided to establish a German Empire with his administrative and diplomatic skills. He introduced strong administrative changes and efficient reforms in the Prussian military which helped them to overpower other military forces in the region. He was highly determined to fight against the Austrian empire and to avenge the defeat faced by Prussia in the previous conflicts.
Their preparation has helped them to overpower the Austrian empire in the seven weeks of war fought in the year 1866. It was a heavy setback for the Austrian empire and their German allies which freed the German state from undue interference of the Austrian empire in various matters of concern. The war also helped Prussia to lay the foundation for the creation of its empire in the region. Bismarck was also aware of the need for a war with their arch-rival France because that will create a sense of nationalism and confidence among the minds of the German people.
Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871
Napoleon III was the ruler of France during this period, and he was the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. He was inefficient compared to his previous rulers and this was identified by Otto Von Bismarck to provoke France to enter into a war with Germany. His diplomatic strategies and statesmanship have helped him to achieve his objective of making France declare war against Prussia. Bismarck has already established his connections with other kingdoms in the German territory through his diplomatic skills which supported him in creating anti-French sentiments in the German territory. The hatred mainly occurred due to the act of declaration of war against Prussia which hurt the sentiments of the Germans.
During the war when Bismarck marched his forces toward the French military, other German kingdoms joined Prussia in their war against France. The feeling of German nationalism was inculcated by the act of the French ruler Napoleon III. In September 1870, France faced a powerful defeat by the combined forces of Prussia and other German kingdoms at Sedan. As a consequence of the defeat the Napoleon III of France resigned from the post of the emperor and continued to live the rest of his life in England; on the other hand, the war continued and resulted in the fall of Paris in the year 1871. At the same time, Otto Von Bismarck gathered all rulers of the German Kingdom at Versailles and announced King William I of Prussia as the emperor of the German empire in which Prussia hold a remarkable position. It was also followed by the creation of a new constitution for the German state.
Conclusion
German Unification was an inspiration for many European powers that were scattered with their regional kingdoms. The success of German Unification has also created fear among the other nations that it may affect the balance of power in the region, which can be threatened by the newly formed nation.
FAQs
Qns 1. What were the consequences of Franco- Prussian War?
Ans. The defeat of France in the war led to the complete consolidation and official announcement of the unification of Germany. After the war, Otto Von Bismarck gathered all rulers of the German Kingdom at Versailles and announced King William I of Prussia as the emperor of the German empire in which Prussia hold a remarkable position. They have also initiated the creation of a constitution for the German confederation. A fear factor was created in the European soli with the victory of Prussia over France.
Qns 2. What was the role of Otto Von Bismarck in the Unification of Germany?
Ans. The cause for the unification got a significant turn with the appointment of Otto Von Bismarck as the Prime Minister of Prussia. His diplomatic skills and statesmanship have given way to the creation of the German confederation as a single identity for the Germans. Bismarck played a significant role in the military reforms of the Prussian forces that led to their victory over the Austrian empire and France.
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