...How far does the role of individuals explain the outbreak of the German Wars of Unification? The German Wars of Unification can be blamed on a myriad of reasons however the pragmatism of Otto Von Bismarck often allowed him to take advantage and shape the course of German history. Conversely it would be remiss to state that Bismarck was solely responsible for the German Wars of Unification, nationalist elements as well as growing calls for liberalism all spurred the way for the beginning of a German state. Compounding this was the economic prosperity of Prussia, as Prussia grew economically stronger it diminished Austria’s sphere of influence in the region. This would also spur calls for greater German unity whilst isolating Austria. Prussian ambition can be first seen to rival Austria with the creation of the Zollverein. Prussia in 1818 created a law to integrate Prussian customs systems onto neighbouring small states, over the next fifteen years through a complex mixture of threats and concessions the Prussians managed to create a concrete policy that would lay the foundations for the Zollverein. In 1833 the Zollverein was created and most importantly Austria was firmly excluded. The importance of this is summed up in Metternich’s quote “a smaller rival confederation..which all too quickly will become accustomed to following its own objectives with its own means”. Metternich’s fears would eventually become a reality, this is reiterated by the historian Treitschke...
Words: 1111 - Pages: 5
...The main idea of this speech is that Otto von Bismarck wanted Germany to actually make a difference for their country by taking action. He wanted to enforce power, military, something that Prussia had not done. Here he was responding to the Landtags of Prussia and how they refused military support. He says that, “not through speeches and majority decisions,” the problems and conflicts of this German state will no longer be solved by just talking and waiting for public and the parliament's approval. The government always took too long to come into an agreement yet, their governing was not successful. Basically, the main idea was that an army was needed fast to help gain more control no matter if his solution becomes violent and bloody; war. Bismarck want to make sure that he was taking over so Germany, in the future, would not have to deal with another revolution. He wanted to make things right, right in that moment....
Words: 930 - Pages: 4
...Coercive Diplomacy: Otto von Bismarck and the Unification of Germany by Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth R. Kassner United States Marine Corps United States Army War College Class of 2012 DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT: A Approved for Public Release Distribution is Unlimited This manuscript is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Master of Strategic Studies Degree. The views expressed in this student academic research paper are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government. The U.S. Army War College is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (215) 662-5606. The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing this collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information...
Words: 7938 - Pages: 32
...The Unification of Italy and Germany During the nineteenth century, two nations disrupted the balance of power in Europe (Spielvogel 663). The unification of Italy and the unification of Germany were the new nation that disrupted the balance of power (Spielvogel 663). Count Camillo di Cavour, Italy, and Count Otto von Bismarck, Germany, are the reason these nations are able to exist and become unified during this time period (Spielvogel 663-669). Both men shared beliefs; however, they had strategies that differed. Furthermore, without both of these men, present day Germany and Italy would not be possible (Spielvogel 663-669). Italy’s first push for revolution was during the years 1848-1849, where they were unsuccessful (Spielvogel 663)....
Words: 1586 - Pages: 7
...War Name Course Date War is defined as an organized and prolonged conflict carried out by countries or individuals within or outside a country. War is generally characterized by brutal or extreme violence, displacements of populations and both social and economic disruption or destruction. War is an actual, widespread and intentional armed conflict between countries. War is regarded as a form of political violence because countries are political creations or entities. When war is absent piece prevails. There are several types of war, namely; civil war, asymmetrical, conventional, chemical, unconventional, nuclear warfare among others. In civil war the warring sides are from the same country or political entity and what is at stake is either the control of the nation and instruments of power or one side is trying to break away or secede. In asymmetrical war, the combatants or feuding sides are not evenly marched in terms of military capability and therefore the weaker side engages in guerilla tactics in order to counter the huge disadvantage it is faced with. Conventional war is defined as a war whose main aim is to reduce or minimize the enemy’s capability mostly through battles. It is a war mostly fought by states and their allies. Unconventional war on the other side refers to a war whose main purpose is to attain military victory through use of clandestine activities such as supporting secretly one side in a...
Words: 1897 - Pages: 8
...united by “iron and blood” refers to the speech given by Prussian statesman Otto Von Bismarck, referring to the ‘Bismarck wars’; the battles heavily acclaimed to be the binding force behind German unification into one, powerful state. However, it is also possible to agree with Kenyes , who challenged Bismarck’s speech and opinions on unification by believing in an economically led charge towards unification; hence the use of the term “iron and steel” To agree on Bismarck’s “blood and iron” beliefs, You have to start with the ‘Bismarck wars’, wars created to help unite Germany against common enemies. The Danish War of 1864, which was fought over the two duchies ‘Schleswig’ and ‘Holstein’. Denmark, who occupied the Duchess at the time, had taken the land from the Prussians in the 1400s (Bismarck was of course Prussian by nature). Denmark was also the main threat from the North of Germany, consequently explaining why the Duchies were such crucial regions for Germany to control/have influence over. Two years later, in 1866 there was the Austro-Prussian war. Austria had always been a strong, united and independent nation; which situated geographically right next to the German states would clearly be enviable of pro-unification German ministers. Bismarck wanted the Austro-Prussian war to show that his Prussia was the more dominant and significant state than Franz Joseph’s Austria. Previously too Bismarck had met with Napoleon III In Biarritz to discuss possible French intervention...
Words: 772 - Pages: 4
...Nationalism is derived from an extreme love and passion toward one's nation, and the need for its cultures, values, and influence to be spread. Between the years 1850 and 1914 in Europe, the growth of this nationalism, especially in the countries of France, Germany, Italy, and Russia became a positive force in uniting and improving their nations. As France stumbled past the revolutions of 1830 and 1848, a new, popular leader was elected in a landslide- Napoleon III. Known for his name and plan as a Realpolitik, combining a conservative strength with a liberalism attitude to work together, Napoleon was able to improve the voting rights through universal male suffrage, education and jobs, and also create a lasting impact by modernizing Paris...
Words: 547 - Pages: 3
...Section 1: Short Answer (20 points) In this section, you will write a two to threesentence response to each of the following items. Remember to use examples and be specific. In the area of politics, the Irish were upset by their merger with Great Britain into the United Kingdom. Identify and explain two areas of discontent. (4 points) Beginning in 1801, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland became a single entity. Many Irish were unhappy with this because they felt it diminished their identity as Irish, and because many viewed England as a historical enemy. The merger of northern Ireland into the British Empire replaced the Roman Catholic Church with the church of England as the state church. What is a monopoly? Explain the benefits to owning a monopoly.(4 points) A monopoly is when a person owns or dominates an industry. He will gain so much power that he either buy out competitors or run them out of business. After that he can be the only person that is able to provide his services. So when he is the only one standing, he can name the prices and the customers are forced to pay. Monopoly can make the owner multi millionaire. . What is urbanization? Identify two of the problems that were associated with rapid urbanization.(4 points) Urbanization is the social process whereby cities grow and societies become more urban in areas, be it horizontal or vertical, as opposed to being mostly rural and agricultural...
Words: 1191 - Pages: 5
...Chronology Date: 1882- Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria- Hungary, Italy) This was a military alliance between the nations Germany, Austria- Hungary and Italy. These nations made an agreement to support each other in a time of war, this mainly to protect the nations in which 2 border major powers. There were strong relations between the nations as Germany and Austria-Hungary both spoke German. 1887- Reinsurance Treaty- The Reinsurance Treaty of June 18, 1887 was an attempt by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck to continue to ally with Russia after the League of the Three Emperors had broken down but this treaty would ensure the protection of Germany. 1887- Mediterranean Agreements- Great Britain signed a series of treaties with nations allied to Germany to remain the “status-quo” in the Mediterranean Sea. It was a way to prevent a Russian expansion into the Balkans and protect Italian Interests from the French. 1889- GB contemplating joining the triple Alliance- In order to protect imperial interests of Great Britain they contemplated joining the triple alliance. 1894- Franco- Russian Alliance- Diplomatic isolation in France meant that France and Russia allied; Germany could never have anticipated such a treaty due to the ideological differences between Republican France and Tsarist Russia. This meant France was no longer isolated and ratified political events and military convention in 1892. The view of Bismarck was that it was a “nightmare of coalitions”...
Words: 1031 - Pages: 5
...peace in Europe during our period of study. Shortly after the Franco-Prussian war in 1870, Germany became the European strongest power until the fall of Germany in 1914. The unification of Germany brought about changes to the European diplomatic scene, with the appointment of Otto von Bismarck as the German chancellor in 1871 by Kaiser Williams 1, he reorganized the German military and increased industrialization in Germany. Through Bismarck’s political strategies Germany was able to become European’s instrument for peace and balance of power. According to some research we realize that during the reign of Napoleon Bonarphte coalition were also formed against the French aggression, therefore we can say the alliance systems had been occurring in Europe before the coming of Bismarck, but for the purpose of our study the system of alliance that was going to change the political order of Europe, both in the east and west was formed between 1871-1907. This system of alliance was not aggressive but gradually it generated into the outbreak of the First World War which occurred as a result to the Balkan crisis and various territorial dispute in Africa and Europe.The alliance system was started by Bismarck, the German chancellor from 1871-1890. After the franco-prussian war, Bismarck held that Germany was a “satiated state” which should give up the ideas of expansion or further conquest. Thus Bismarck organized system of alliances designed to maintain Germany’s hegemony on the European continent...
Words: 2226 - Pages: 9
...Kaiser the Dissapointment Kaiser Wilhelm II was the German emperor through 1888 to 1918(Kaiser Wilhelm II) . The way All Quiet on the Western Front portrayed the Kaiser very accurately. The Kaiser was troublesome during his political rule and his personal life. Kaiser Wilhelm II was the son of Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia and Princess Victoria the daughter of Queen Victoria of England(Kaiser Wilhelm II). Kaiser Wilhelm came into power of German after his father who died from terminal throat cancer(Kaiser Wilhelm II). Two years after coming into power Kaiser broke ties off with Otto Von Bismarck also known as the “Iron Chancellor” (Kaiser Wilhelm II). Bismarck dominated German politics since the 1860s, Kaiser appointed chancellors...
Words: 446 - Pages: 2
...events taking shape towards a war that would unite the world in a single fight. With the traits of nationalism, imperialism, militarism, and alliances being the motivators in the world wide war. Throughout time there have always been alliances, with different races forming together for single causes. Hence Rudyard Kipling’s quote in 1905 “Oh East is East, and West is West… But there is neither East nor West, Border, nor Breed, nor Birth, when two strong men stand face to face, tho’ they come from the ends of earth!” There was no exception in World War one, when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, Russia went to defend against the Austrians’ with Serbia. With Russia in the fight, Germany declared war upon Russia, eventually leading France into the war against Germany and Austria-Hungary. With Germanys’ attack on Belgium, it provoked the British and included them as well into the nationwide war. Japan later joined as well on the Allies side, and with the sinking of the Lusitania the United States, Britain, and Italy went into the war fully. Imperialism was already enforced before the war, with most of Europe looking to take certain points within Asia and Africa. These points proved advantages and disadvantages to some of the warring countries. When the war was ready to commence the controlled countries were enforced with the ruling countries rules, forcing the populations within to submit to rule and live as the ruling country lives. Leading to revolts that would spark a flame...
Words: 704 - Pages: 3
...* “Sick Man” of Europe: 1914 This was a name given to the Ottoman's from the Europeans. It was based on the Ottoman's sultans inability to control the takeover of many states. It fails to recognize reform in the Ottoman's * “Stabbed in the Back”(1918): After germany lost the war the german people wanted someone to blame. Rhe german army believe they had been stabbed in the back by the Weimar Republic. This is because they were the politicians who signed the Armistice. Which made the known as the November ciminals. * “The White Man’s Burden” : The idea that Europeans have a duty/responsibility to help uncivilized nations. They thought that they were genetically superior to other races. They believed they were superior to the rest of the world previous to the idea of social Darwinism, but this new idea backed their thought. Since they believed themselves to be superior, they saw it as their right as Christians and superior humans to spread their modern and advanced ways with "inferior" races. * 14 Points: A detailed list of war aims presented by President Wilson: 1) Recognition of freedom of the seas 2) An end to the practice of making secret treaties 3) Reduction of national armaments 4) An "impartial adjustment of all colonial claims" 5) Self-determination for the various nationalities within the Austro-Hungarian empire. 6) "A general association of nations..for the purpose of affording mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial integrity...
Words: 2515 - Pages: 11
...none of these ideals had the impact that the nationalistic approach had. This is due to many reasons which ranged from the fact that not everyone was affected by socialism or that ninety percent of people in eighteenth century Europe lived in a ‘nationstate’ which acted as a breeding ground for nationalism growth. A nationstate is a bordered country with its own culture and, the main component of a nation, language. Once politically tapped, this shared heritage and collective ideas could easily take the form of nationalism and depending on the capability of the leadership in control the approach could take many different directions, the most wellknown being: ‘Pride Nationalism’ which originated from France or ‘Blood and Soil Nationalism’ from Germany. One of the greatest accomplishment of nationalism was its ascension to the dominant doctrine of ordinary people’s lives at the expense of religion whose power had become a tattered shadow of previous centuries. However, that is not to say that, once in power, nationalist government promoted and succeeded in achieving prolonged peace and prosperity; in fact, the opposite usually occurred. Aggressive stances between neighbouring countries during the late 1800s became a formality because every nation looked up their adjoined countries as potential threats. As Charles de Gaulle put it ‘Patriotism is when love of your own people...
Words: 1772 - Pages: 8
...How Accurate is it to Summarise the Period Before 1848 as: ‘The Time when Nothing Happened’? Bismarck described the era before 1848 as ‘the time when nothing happened’ and to a certain degree it is true, however, a number of key events did occur that had long lasting effects on Germany that would come to hinder, advance and affect the pace and direction of unification. Friedrich I established Prussia as a kingdom, independent of its previous association as a Polish fief, Prussia expanded its borders massively into neighbouring states. Under Friedrich I Prussia emerged as one of the strongest military and economic powers in Europe proper. The strong economy and growing military reputation lay foundations for a strong, proud and militaristic culture. As a relatively new state it could learn from the mistakes of others and as a large state it could bully and manipulate its neighbours, but it was still a subordinate of Austria in the Holy Roman Empire and nowhere near powerful enough to contend Austria’s seat of dominance. The influence that Prussia gained allowed for a stronger Prussia later, the knowledge that Prussia was vastly superior to its neighbours aided in giving Prussians a sense of self-confidence that allowed them to make the exertive steps towards unifying Germany after 1815. From the 9th century until 1806, the Holy Roman Empire dominated the German states, a common language and a notably similar culture had developed and bound the member states together as the...
Words: 2318 - Pages: 10
