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GIVE THE NOTE OF GERMAN UNIFICATION
 One of the significant developments that have changed the course of history was the unification of Germany under the leadership of Prussia. Paradoxically, it was Napoleon who took the first step towards German unity.

After overrunning the various German states and defeating the combined armies of Austria and Russia at Austerlitz, Napoleon formed a political union of German states called the “Confederation of the Rhine.” Hence Napoleon first gave the idea of national unity. He gave them a system of unity and efficiency such as they had never seen before.

The next step towards Germany unity was taken in the direction of commerce. Led by Prussia, the German states entered into a Zolerverin or Customized Union to avoid the tariff duties levied by each member of the Confederation on another. This commercial unity led to the political unity of Germany.

Finally, it was Otto Von Bismarck, the prime minister of Germany who unified Germany with his policy of “Blood and Iron.” To achieve his aim, he waged three important wars, namely :

a. War with Denmark (1864)

b. War with Austria (1866)

c. War with France (1870-71)

a. War with Denmark (1864) : The two Dutchies of Schelsweig and Holsteil were inhabited largely by the Germans, but ruled by the King of Denmark. Bismarck united them to agitate for their union with Germany with the help of Austria. Bismarck sent the Prussian armies into the Danish Dutchies and annexed them to Prussia.

b. War with Austria (1866) : Though Austria helped Prussia in the war with Denmark, she did not get any territory. Austria was discontented with the growing power of Prussia. So a war began between Prussia and Austria. The Prussian general Von Moltke inflicted a crushing defeat on the Russians at Sadova. Austria was compelled to accept the Peace Treaty of Prague, by which she agreed to withdraw from the German Confederation and recognize any reconstruction of Germany led by Prussia. Prussia annexed the hostile states and Hanover, Hessecassel, Frankfurt and Nassan and constructed a new German Federation.

c. War with France (1870-71) : Bismarck had only one more enemy to deal with, and he was Napoleon III of France. He was jealous of the growing power of Prussia. He interfered in the matters of southern German states and persuaded them not to join with Prussia. It was his belief that the southern states would join the new confederation only when threatened by a foreign power. Hence he began to provoke Napoleon in all possible ways. Napoleon III thought that he could strengthen his prestige in France and also restore the prestige of France by a successful war with Prussia.

Immediate Cause : In 1868, a revolution in Spain deposed Queen Isbella and the Spaniards offered the crown to Leopold William I of Prussia. Napoleon III objected to it on the round that it would upset the “Balance of Power” in Europe. So Leopold withdrew his acceptance of the crown.

To get a diplomatic victory, Napoleon asked his ambassador to demand from King William I of Prussia and assure him that he would never in future permit a renewal of Napoleon’s candidature. The Prussian king refused this demand and sent a telegram from Ems to Bismarck informing him of what had happened. Bismarck altered the version of the telegram in such a way that it hurt the feelings of both the French and the Prussians. So a war began between France and Prussia.

The war roused the patriotism of Germany. The southern states made common cause with the north, contrary to Napoleon’s expectations. The German army led by General Von Moltake invaded France. The French were defeated at Worth and Metz. Ad Sedan, the whole French army surrendered to General von Moltke and Napoleon III was taken prisoner. Paris was captured.

The finishing touch to the unification of Germany was given in 1871 by the proclamation of Kaiser William I as the Emperor of Germany in the famous “Hall of Mirrors” at Versailles. The new German empire annexed the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine. The empire was a federation in which Prussia enjoyed great powers.


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