Unification of Germany?and How Bismak united Germany?

 

 

4Q.  Unification of Germany?and

How Bismak united Germany?

Ans: Before the unification, Germans were scattered in various kingdoms. Autovan Bismark, an enlightened despot, did yeomen service to unite the places Germans were living.

Situation of Germany before 1815 C.E.

Congress of Vienna disappointed the Germans. Germans expected unification; on the contrary they were divided into 39 kingdoms. The Federal diet of this federation was kept under the authority of Austria.

As each king of German federation had sovereign powers, they minded only their personal benefits and neglected the common good of all German Nation. . This situation became an obstacle for unification of Germany.

Along with Austria many non Germans were members of federal diet. Hanovar, which was under the authority of England, was made a member of federal diet. Duthie of Holstein was given representation in federal diet. These foreign powers had no interest in the unification of Germany. The worst part was the federal diet did not have command over its members. Austria had the decision making power and it was instrumental of deciding the fate of Germany.

People expected that Frederick William III, King of Prussia (1797-1840), would lead the patriots of Germany, but their aspirations were snubbed off due to the impact of Metternich on him. Furthur making the situation worst, he suppressed the German Nationalists on the suggeston of Metternich.

At this juncture, universities took up the responsibility of instilling national ferver among the Germans. University of Jena became a centre for liberalism. Students of the University of Jena increased national fervor among the Germans.

Autovan Bismark

Bismark was born in 1815 C.E. in Brandenburg, in a wealthy family. He joined in government service after the completion of studies from Gotingen and Berni Universities. Birsmark had an equal share of conservatism and patriotism in him. From 1848-1849 C.E. he supported Prussian government against the revolutionaries.

Bismark brought farmers to Berlim in support of Frederick William IV. Bismark expressed his dissent against the decision of Frederick William IV to formulate a constitution.

1851 C.E. – Bismark was appointed as Ambassador.

From 1851 to 1859 C.E., Bismark gained immense political knowledge by working as the representative of Prussia in German federal diet. During his tenure as federal diet representative, opposition against Austria was germinated in him.

From 1859 to 1861 C.E., he won the confidence of Czar, during his tenure as ambassador in Saint Petersburg.

In 1861 C.E. he worked as an Ambassodor for France.

In 1862 C.E. on the occasion of differences between William I, King of Purssia and Purssian parliament, Bismark was appointed as the prime minister by the king.

Bismark was 47 years old by the time he was appointed as the head of the council of ministers of Prussia. During those days, none of was entrusted with such huge responsibility by that age. Bismark violated the rules of parliament by always considering the opinion of upper house and always lending deaf ear to lower house.

Bismark strengthened army and to achieve unification of Italy he waged wars against Denmark in 1864 C.E., Austria in 1866 C.E., and France in 1870 C.E.

 

1864 C.E. – Battle with Denmark:

Schleswig and Holstein issue was cleared by Bismark with the help of Asutria. Most of the citizens of Schleswig and Holstein were Gemarns, but those places were under Denmark. In 1848 C.E. Frederick VIII, King of Denmark, made an attempt to merge them in Denmark. England, France, Prussia, Norway and Sweden intermediated for Treaty of London. As per the provisions of London Treaty, Schleswig and Holstein were not merged with Denmark. The duration of Treaty of London was 10 years. Frederick VII was succeeded by Christian IX as the emperor of Denmark. Christian IX proclaimed about the merger of Schleswig and Holstein in Denmark. Naturally people of those places revolted against it. Bismark approached Austria for help. Combined forces of Germany and Austria defeated Denmark. After the defeat of Denmark, Prussia had to fight with Austria for the possession of Schleswig and Holstein.

1866 C.E. – Battle with Austria - Austria wanted to merge Schleswig with German federation. Bismark rejected this idea. Bismark concluded various treaties against Austria, which was against unification of Germany. Bismark studied the contemporary world political conditions and used every opportunity to alienate Austria.

Bismark encouraged intrigues against Austrian administration in Holstein. Bismark made Austria to violate Treaty of Gastrive, thus paved way for the removal of Austrian representative from Holstein administration. With 7 Weeks War and Sedova war, Prussia completely suppressed Austria.

War with France – 1870 C.E. – People of Spain revolted against autocratic rule of Queen Isabella. Hohen Zollern dynasty tried to capture power, but Napoleon opposed it. To present such designs in future talks were conducted at Elms, between King of Prussia and a representative of France. Bismark published manipulated version of the epitome of the talks and encouraged the people to revolt. Enraged France proclaimed war on Prussia in 1870 C.E. This war lasted for 6 months. Prussia secured the support of German to fight against France. Prussia achieved victory over France. With the revolt of people France, Republican government was formed in France. As a result of this unification of Germany was achieved.

On 18th January 1871 C.E., William I was coronated as the Emperor of Germany. Cornonation ceremony was organized in Palace of Versailles. Berlin was made the capital of German federation.