The Unification of Germany

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The Unification of Germany

Bismarck

Otto von Bismarck achieved the unification of the disjointed German

states through the skillful understanding of realpolitikand the

Machiavellian use of war as a political tool to eliminate Germany's

rival nations, gain the support of the German people and gain

territory. This ultimately created a German legacy of strong

militaristic tendencies, scheming national relations, and economic

clout challenging the European heavyweights like England and France.

Bismarck's plan for unification began with his instigation of war with

the small German states of Schleswig and Holstein over an

insignificant dispute concerning the governing of the states.

Bismarck's next move was to bring on a war with Austria resulting from

minor disputes over the Schleswig-Holstein conflict. With a victory

for Prussia in this second conflict, Bismarck's remaining European

rival was France. Through political maneuvering, Bismarck initiates a

war with France which portrays Prussia as the victim. Prussia again

came out the victor with the support of the newly united German nation

behind it. These wars exemplify the European standard of 'muscle

flexing' which began with the Crimean War, and Prussia's history of

militarism and military strength only added to this tendency.

Otto von Bismarck, always searching for ways to empower Prussia and

the German people as a whole, first saw the opportunity to achieve

this goal when the crisis over Schleswig-Holstein arose after the

death of Frederick VII. Bismarck, deciding to use Prussia's military

might to intervene and claim the disputed territories for Prussia,

included Austria ...

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... tribes during the Roman Empire, were distinct, and local princes

refused to give up substantial power to the central government. The

Berlin assembly, therefore, was kept weak. Germany, like the United

States under the Articles of the Confederation, seemed merely a loose

of confederation of autonomous states. In Germany's case, one state,

Prussia, was absolutely dominant due to its size, power, and military

strength. This, combined with Bismarck's skillful conduct in

international and national affairs as chancellor, kept the empire

together until 1914. He achieved this drastic change by instigating

three successful wars which advanced the German cause and asserted its

independence. This ultimately led to bitterness among many Europeans

towards Germany for her reputation, as well a great industrial and

economic success.

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