- Published: September 25, 2022
- Updated: September 25, 2022
- University / College: Macquarie University
- Level: Secondary School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 34
Explain How Germany Went from a Collection of Smaller Nations to a Strong, Unified Nation in theSecond Half of the Nineteenth Century
Unification of Germany spanned from 1864-1871. Previously, Prussia and Austria were considered the two most powerful states in Germany; Austria was the most important. Even though both states were not ready for unification, the construction of railway lines brought these states within hours of one another. The Prussian emperor further frustrated these unification attempts by refusing to accept the title of Emperor of Germany. In the Seven Week War between Austria and Prussia, Austria was defeated and therefore technically excluded from German affairs.
The French, who had assisted the Prussians to subdue Austria, later had a diplomatic disagreement with Prussia and they went into war over the ‘ Ems Telegram’ which insinuated that the French ambassador had been insulted by the Prussian King. The Prussian troops led by General Von Moltke led them into victory against the French troops led by Napoleon III and later Marshal Bazaine. When the French finally lost, the German unification was completed with the Prussian King being crowned emperor of Germany.
Prussia added the French provinces of Alsace and Lorraine to Germany. German ethnolinguistic nationality finally saw people with the same language, identity and history belong to the same nation.