Germany's Unification Overview

A political strategy emphasizing practical and realistic goals, often achieved through cunning or force, rather than idealistic principles.

A loose customs union formed in 1815 among some German states, facilitating trade and economic cooperation.

Uniting a country by conquering and incorporating smaller states, used by Prussia to achieve German unification.

The unification of Germany through a series of strategic wars, diplomacy, and political maneuvering.

A powerful chancellor of Prussia, known for his shrewd diplomacy and successful unification of Germany.

Bismarck's strategy for uniting Germany, utilizing Austria's desire for war against Denmark to maneuver Prussia into a dominant position.

The Austro-Prussian War, fought in 1866, was a prelude to German unification, allowing Prussia to dominate the German Confederation.

Known as the "Seven Weeks War", this conflict involved the rapid victory of Prussia over Austria, effectively ending Habsburg dominance in Germany.

Bismarck's final plan for German unification involved provoking a war with France. This would force the southern German states to align with the north, creating a united Germany.

The Franco-Prussian War, lasting from July 1870 to January 1871, was a key event leading to the unification of Germany. The conflict ultimately saw French defeat, paving the way for German dominance.

Bismarck's initial policy of suppressing the Catholic Church in Germany, which he later realized was a mistake and reversed due to its potential for social unrest.

A political philosophy advocating for a violent worker revolution to overthrow the aristocracy and establish a classless society, popularized by Karl Marx.

Wilhelm II's ambitious foreign policy aimed at expanding German power and influence globally, often through aggressive and assertive actions.

A guerrilla war fought in South Africa between the British and the Afrikaner (Dutch) settlers over control of gold-rich territories.

Russia's foreign policy based on acquiring warm-water ports in the Mediterranean Sea, motivated by its need to overcome limitations imposed by its cold northern location.

A deliberate act of twisting or manipulating information from a telegraph to create a more hostile impression, often used to provoke war. Bismarck's Ems Dispatch was a crucial event in the Franco-Prussian War. He modified the content of the telegram to make it seem as though the French ambassador had been insulted by King William I.

The period of time between 1815 and the rise of Napoleon III in France. Marked by political and social instability in France due to the aftermath of Napoleon's defeat.

Bismarck's strategy to isolate France diplomatically, ensuring that it lacked strong allies during the Franco-Prussian War.

A crucial battle in the Franco-Prussian War where the main French army was surrounded and defeated, marking a major turning point in the war.

The dramatic surrender of Napoleon III and his army at the Battle of Sedan, effectively ending the French Empire's resistance against Prussia.

The French nationalist, Léon Gambetta, who fiercely resisted the German occupation and tried to rally French resistance during the Franco-Prussian War.

The treaty that officially ended the Franco-Prussian War, forcing France to cede the territories of Alsace and Lorraine to the newly formed German Empire.

The two houses of parliament in the Second German Reich. The Bundesrat (upper house) and the Reichstag (lower house).