Otto Von Bismarck

Prime Minister of prussia, then chancellor of German Empire Responsible for unity in 1871

(1862) army bill was against the constitution-> Bismarck broke constitution ( used blood and Iron speech)

(1863/64) Danish King annexed Schleswig -> Prussian and Austrian troops in Denmark => Gastein Treaty 1865 ( Bismarck more popular)

(1865) Schleswig governed by Prussia; Holstein administrated by Austria

(1866) After tensions Austria broke Gastein treaty -> Prussia occupied Holstein; Austria mobalized their troops; after 7 weeks Austria is defeated; => North German Confederation

at first liberals were against him; later, Bismarck supported unification, liberals supported Bismarck

(1870)Spanish crown offered to Prince Leopold (Prussian royal fam.) France feared attack; Bismarck pressured Leopold to accept; Wilhelm later made leo. step down

(July 1870) Bismarck recieved telegram from Wilhelm I bout meeting with french ambassador; Bismarck shortened and published it; France provoked => WAR (Napoleon3)

(1870-1871) Prussia had support of southers states; France lost territory -> revenge; France lost war after fall of Paris

+: Ems Telegramm; knew napoleon would prefer war instead of political defeat -: Napoleon started it; no real reason for war

(18.Jan. 1871) Southern German States joined Confederation (practical); German Empire

Saw an opporturnity once war had started-> Push for unification

Monarchistic elements: Emperor-appaoints army/chancellor/summons federal council and imperial diet Parliamentary elements: elected parliament& imperial diet

Avoid war after 71; concentrate on strenghtening economy and functioning as a state; no wish to gain territorry; prevent alliance France-Russia

(1871-1878) Conflict between cath.church and Bismarck; church shouldnt interfere in politics; Falk laws:church controlled by state -> won support by liberals -> failed centre Party the biggest by 1884

(1873) Russia, Austria, Germany

(1878) Workerparty (SPD) controlled by gov. -> feared revolution

(1878) Introduced by Bismarck sickness and accident insurance -> win support of socialists

(1885) War between Bulgaria and Serbis; Three emperors League collapsed -> reinsurrance Treaty

(june 1887)Germany wont attack France; Russia wont attack Austria

In 1871: concentrate on domestic problems 1884: embark on a policy of colonial expansion

Still had an aversion against colonies; compromise: Flag follows the trade; Social imperialism(wehler) driving attention away

death of Wilhelm 1888 -> wilhelm II; different strategies in policy; Bismarck lost support in Reichtag-> resigned March 1890

Past: reached his aims(unity)/ politician of the world Present: Provokative, antidemocrat-> critical