Higher history

3. Divisions among Nationalists

This was a question of….Grossdeutschland or Kleindeutschland?!

After the failure of the Frankfurt Parliament, Prussia put forward a plan to unify the German states under Prussian control. The question was whether a united Germany should contain Austria (Grossdeutschland) or leave it out (Kleindeutschland). In German, ‘gross’ means ‘large’ and ‘klein’ means small. ‘Deutschland’ means ‘Germany’.

The Prussians, as rivals of Austria, argued for Austria's exclusion.

The Austrians refused to agree with the Prussian plan since it would eliminate their influence in German affairs. The Austrians persuaded the Bund's Federal Diet to threaten sanctions against Prussia.

In 1850, with Russians supporting Austria, the Prussians backed down. Another attempt at a unified Germany had failed. Clearly Austria was still more politically powerful than Prussia at this stage.

5. 
   a) Copy the definitions of Grossdeutschland and Kleindeutschland.
   

b) What difficulty did these two ideas create for a united Germany?


4. Negative attitude of the German leaders

Throughout the 1840s many of the 39 German states were under pressure from nationalist and liberal demonstrators wanting greater political representation and reform. The governments of the states were all aristocratic, they all sought to preserve the inherited powers and privileges of their class. This type of government is often called the “ancient regime”.

The reformers recognised that a unified Germany with popular elections and a constitution would be the best way of guaranteeing political freedoms. However, many German princes feared that if the states were unified they would lose power and influence over their own territories, such as Prussia's King Frederick William IV, and thus opposed unification on nationalist terms. Their desire to hold on to their power can be referred to as ‘self preservation’.

This opposition from the German princes can be seen when in 1849, rulers were quick to withdraw their support delegates for the Frankfurt Parliament when it was clear that the revolutions were over.

6. 
   Why were the leaders of the German states against unification?
   

5. Attitude and influence of great European powers

• 
  Austria
  

The Austrian empire was extremely powerful in Europe and was competing politically and economically with the 39 German states. German nationalism might lead to unification of the states. This would make them stronger and more of a threat to Austria.

Nationalism and liberalism were two political philosophies that usually went hand-in-hand at this time. The arch-conservative Austrian Chancellor Prince Metternich was very much aware of the dangers of such philosophies. 20% of the people in the Austrian empire were German. The Austrian Emperor feared nationalism might make them want to break away and join Germany. This would leave Austria weaker and cause other national groups in the Empire to demand their independence. Nationalism, if allowed to spread unchecked, could potentially lead to the disintegration of the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire. He was also keen to ensure that Austria would not be excluded from German affairs by the creation of some sort of Kleindeutschland. There are several clear instances of Austrian opposition to German nationalism; the two most important coming in 1819 and 1850.

In 1819 the Austrians passed the notorious Carlsbad Decrees which effectively suppressed the student Burschenscaften which had been flourishing in German universities since the end of the Napoleonic Wars. These nationalist organisations had been responsible for nothing more serious than a few demonstrations and the burning of an effigy of Metternich at Wartburg in 1817. However, Metternich recognised the spirit of these organisations and was quick to deal with it when given the excuse in 1819 when the member of one of the Burschenshaften murdered the anti-liberal writer and Tsarist agent Kotzebue. The Carsbad Decrees, as F. McKichan stated effectively suppressed German nationalism ‘for a generation’.

In 1850, after recovering from the revolutions of 1848-49 the new Austrian Chancellor Scwartzernburg forced the Prussians to accept the ‘humiliation’ of the Treaty of Olmutz. This meant that the ‘Efrurt Union’ (a Prussian-led attempt to replace the Bund and unite the German states on the terms of their rulers) was abandoned. Thus it is clear that while Austria remained strong, the prospects for the unification of the German states were slim. Before 1850 opposition from Austria was arguably the main stumbling block for German nationalists in their attempts to unite the German states.

• 
  France and Russia
  

These countries feared that a strong, united Germany would be a political, economic and military rival to them. The role of France was significant as an obstacle as she was Germany’s enemy and following the defeat of Napoleon and the creation of the German Confederation, still wanted to keep the old Holy Roman Empire in check. France threatened to expand her territory into the German states border and therefore opposed German unification, since a united Germany would be strong and more difficult to fight against. The French felt threatened by the possibility of a strong German state on its borders and so was a major obstacle to German nationalism and unification, so much so, that it would require a major war against them before unification could be achieved.
Russia’s clear opposition can be seen when Russia supported Austria (even with a promise of military support) in 1850 with Treaty of Olmutz, which forced Prussia to abandon the Erfurt Union.

7. 
   Why did Austria not want a united Germany? Provide (at least) two reasons.
   
8. 
   Why was the idea of German unification unpopular with the Great Powers of Europe?
   
9. 
   What economic advantages did Prussia have over its Austrian rival?
   
10. 
    Explain the view of Prince Metternich on page 105.
    

6. 
   
   6. 
      Fear of Prussia
      
   
   

It seemed unlikely at this stage, that a democratic government would rule a united Germany, if, and when it happened. Thus, if they were to unify, there could only be one person in charge. Prussia, as the dominant state, would be the prime candidate. Some of the states resented Prussian progress and many of the smaller (in particular, catholic) states feared Prussian domination; thus did not support unification.


Prussia in 1861

11. 
    Read the small paragraph on page 105 under the blue box. Write a short paragraph to explain why the fear of Prussia was an obstacle to unification
    
12. 
    How important do you think fear of Prussia was, as an obstacle, and why?
    

13. 
    Using the information you have reviewed and the evidence on page 105, copy and complete the spider diagram below. This will be peer assessed and your teacher will also check. Is there anything the person beside you has not included or mistaken? Use colour to identify each of the different sections.
    

Internal disagreements/ self preservation



Religion

Role of Austria


Obstacles to German unification


France and Russia

The Bund



Fear of Prussia


Extension- if this is the answer, what is the question?

Example answer- Holy Roman Empire.

Example question- What Empire included many of the German states before 1792?

1) Vienna 1815.

2) Confederation of the Rhine.

3) Representatives of 39 German states

4) The Thirty Years War.

5) Britain, Russia and Austria.

6) Coal and iron.

7) Fear of Prussia.

Recap Tasks

Quiz quiz trade/hot seating (both in staff shared area)

Conclusion

Napoleon- shaper of Europe Thirty Years War Emergence of Prussia



(Take down this section as a note or create your own summary from this section of text)

The key obstacles to achieving unification were within and out with the control of the German states. The legacy of Napoleon was important as was the attitude of future French leaders. Napoleon’s actions both encouraged and delayed the creation of a modern German state. His reorganisation of the Holy Roman Empire into the Confederation of the Rhine created a model on which a unified German state could be based. However, the allies who defeated Napoleon were determined to make a clean start and dissolved the Confederation, replacing it with the Bund (which helped to keep the German states divided)

Napoleon’s successors were determined to prevent German unification as they did not want to see the emergence of a strong country near her eastern border and they also wanted the lands of the southern German states.

Within the German states there was a selfish desire amongst the rulers to maintain their personal power. The Bund was a tool that helped to suppress German nationalism due to the dominance of Austria who opposed a united Germany. In addition, the rule of unanimous decisions made it a ‘talking shop’ where little could be achieved.

Religion was also an obstacle, and again centred on Austria whose Catholicism gave it a role of protection to the southern Germanic states who shared their faith. The same was true of the Protestant northern states that saw the powerful Prussian state as their guardian.

The power of Prussia was also a factor which delayed unification. The smaller Germanic states were afraid of Prussia and suspected that Prussia wanted to dominate them. They therefore, usually took the side of Austria in the Bund to improve their own security.

Therefore, there were a number of diverse and challenging obstacles to those who sought a united Germany. The obstacles were religious, historical and political in nature.


Historians:

Lee – most historians have judged the Confederation to be weak and ineffective, as well as an obstacle to German nationalist aspirations.

Mitchell argues, the Bund was more a means to perpetuate the division of Germany than to unite it. Therefore, it can be seen that the structure of the Bund was a significant barrier to unification between 1815 and 1850.

Kerr and McGonigle – The smaller states resented Prussia’s progress and were also fearful of being dominated by their large neighbour…therefore tended to side with Austria

A.J.P. Taylor – the Frankfurt Parliament failed because it suffered from too much experience rather than too little (as a result it took a long time to decide anything by the time they had made a decision it was too late)

Kerr and McGonigle – Without clear aims, decisive leadership and an armed force to enforce its decisions, the Frankfurt Parliament had been unable to fulfil its revolutionary arms. To many it seemed that the opportunity to create a liberal, united Germany had been missed


Sample essay questions:

[Bold/underlined = isolated factor]

To what extent were religious divisions in Germany the main obstacle to unification between 1815 and 1850?

Resentment towards Prussia among the German states was the main obstacle to German unification before 1850. How valid is this view?

How far can it be argued that disagreement amongst German nationalists was the main barrier to unification?

Topic 1


Learning intentions:

To evaluate the reasons for the unification of Germany in 1871 and come to a conclusion about the most important reason

Why was Germany united by 1871?

Essay Factors

• 
  Bismarck
  
• 
  Prussian economic strength
  
• 
  Prussian military strength
  
• 
  Decline of Austria
  
• 
  Attitude of foreign states
  
• 
  Actions of Napoleon III
  

Information

“The great questions of the day will not be settled by means of speeches and majority decisions but by iron and blood.” Otto Von Bismarck (Minister President of Prussia from 1862-1890)

Bismarck- the master statesman The Prussian ARMY


Otto Von Bismarck was the key politician to oversee German unification. Bismarck dominated Europe between 1864 and 1890. During his long career he used both diplomacy and war to advance Prussian power with a view to uniting Germany under its leadership. The approach Bismarck used to this end was called Realpolitik (practical politics, decided more by the urgent needs of the country, political party, etc., than by morals or principles). Bismarck was a ruthless, far-seeing and shrewd politician, but one who enjoyed a number of advantages that assisted him in his eventual success.

“Bismarck’s task of unifying Germany was made easier by circumstance. If he played his hand with great skill, it was a good one in the first place.” Mosse.

Watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3k724JX-PY

or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ng8UC4Z1BY (till 04:14)

This is a recap of some of the information that you read in the beginning of the booklet. Read this again to refresh your knowledge.

Many argue that without Otto von Bismarck, unification would not have been possible. He was a ‘Junker’ (the Prussian name for an aristocratic landowner from old Prussia in the east) and was determined to ensure Prussia was dominant in the German area and some argue it was his mission to unite the German states under Prussian rule from the beginning. Upon his 1862 appointment by King Wilhelm I as Minister President of Prussia, Bismarck provoked three short, decisive wars against Denmark, Austria and France, and aligned the smaller German states behind Prussia in defeating his arch-enemy France.

In 1871 he formed the German Empire with himself as Chancellor, while retaining control of Prussia. His diplomacy of realpolitik and powerful rule at home gained him the nickname the "Iron Chancellor". Whilst Bismarck was clearly extremely significant in the unification of Germany, a more modern historiography takes into consideration external factors that can also be credited with having a part to play in unification.

As the map of central Europe stood in 1850, Prussia competed with Austria for dominance over a series of small principalities fiercely keen on maintaining their independence and distinctive characteristics. Prussia stretched from modern-day Lithuania to central Germany. Prussia also controlled the German lands around the Rhine River in the west. In between, from Denmark to Switzerland, lay small provinces that Bismarck needed to incorporate under the Prussian crown to create a viable German Empire.

In 1862, Bismarck reorganized the Prussian army and improved training in preparation for war. In 1864, he constructed an alliance with Austria to fight Denmark over Denmark's southern provinces of Schleiswig and Holstein. Prussia received Schleiswig while Austria administered Holstein. That situation, however, could not stand for long, as Austrian Holstein was now surrounded by Prussian lands. Bismarck provoked a conflict with Austria over an unrelated border dispute and in the subsequent Seven Weeks' War--named for its brevity--Prussia crushed the collapsing Austrian army. The peace settlement transferred Holstein to Prussia and forced Austria to officially remove itself from all German affairs.

With Austria out of Bismarck's way, his next obstacle was the skepticism of the southern provinces. Overwhelmingly Catholic and anti-militaristic, the southern provinces doubted Prussia's commitment to a united Germany of all provinces. Prussia's Protestantism and historic militarism made the gulf between north and south quite serious. Therefore, Bismarck turned to ‘realpolitik’ to unite the Germanic provinces by constructing a war against a common enemy. In 1870, Bismarck forged a note from the French ambassador, implying that the ambassador had insulted the Prussian king (Ems Telegram). After he leaked this letter to both populations, the people of France and Prussia, roused by nationalist sentiment, rose up in favour of war. As Bismarck hoped, the southern provinces rallied to Prussia's side without any hesitation. In July 1870, France declared war on Prussia.

You have just read the STORY of how Germany was united. However, when you write an essay, you mustn’t simply describe the story. You must argue about the importance of factors. Therefore, as you go through this unit always consider the essay factors. As you learn about each stage of the unification process, consider which factor they are relevant to:

• 
  Decline of Austria
  
• 
  Prussian economic strength
  
• 
  Bismarck
  
• 
  Prussian military strength
  
• 
  Attitude of foreign states
  
• 
  Actions of Napoleon III
  

Within a matter of weeks of fighting in Alsace-Lorraine, France lost this Franco-Prussian War. Alsace-Lorraine was transferred to Germany in the peace settlement, allowing Prussia to declare the German Empire, or Second Reich, on January 21, 1871.

Task

You will be given various tasks to do on this topic, by your classroom teacher. They may be the questions that appear in this booklet, or they may be something else. However, as it was said above, you will learn the story of the unification, but you should still ensure that in your essay you make clear arguments according to the relevant factors. As you read the information in the textbook and do the various tasks, you are encouraged to fill out the following sheet as you go along with events/examples that relate to the appropriate factor. They are a few examples included to help you.

Prussian Military Strength



Attitude of Foreign States

-Italy allied with Bismarck under strict conditions meaning Bismarck had to orchestrate the Austro-Prussian war around the Italian terms (p120)

Actions of Napoleon III

Prussian Economic Strength

-Raw materials were discovered in the Rhine and Saarland which were exploited by Prussia (p109)

Bismarck

Decline of Austria

-Failed to support Russia in the Crimean War and lost a valuable ally (in case of war) (p108)

KU: Factors that led to the unification of Germany in 1871

As you go through the information about the unification of Germany, it is your task to add notes under the relevant headings. Ensure this sheet is out on your desk at all times during this topic, and insert any new information that you come across. Write the information in your own words (it should be brief – the main notes should be made in your jotter).



Task

Read page 107 & 108 to answer these questions

1. 
   What were the main internal and external factors that could improve the chances of the German states uniting?
   

2. 
   Copy down William Carr’s quote on page 107. Explain this quotes key idea on unification in no more than 15 words. (Remember to include historian's views in your essays to show awareness of historical debate. This will strengthen your mark for argument)
   

1. 
   
   1. 
      Austria
      
   
   

3. 
   (a) What serious foreign policy mistake did Austria make in the 1850s?
   

(b) Why was this a significant mistake?

4. 
   Copy and complete the table on Austria’s decline using the information on page 107-10. (This will be peer assessed and reviewed as a class)
   

Political reasons	Economic reasons

Alexander II of Russia Franz Josef (Emperor of Austria Hungary)

5. 
   What organisation was set up within the Bund and what was its purpose? (last paragraph page 108)
   
6. 
   What political party was set up as result of the creation of the Nationalverein?
   

2. 
   
   2. 
      Prussian Economics
      
   
   

7. 
   (Page 109) What were the main economic and social changes taking place in Prussia in the 1850s?
   
8. 
   What were the two factors behind the economic changes?