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Summary Nationalism and Unification Depth Study
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Summary of 13 pages for the course Unit Y314: The challenge of German nationalism at OCR (Depth study summary)
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Revision: Nationalism and Unification 1867-1871 Depth StudyBismarck's contribution and role
Political career and background
Bismark came from a moderately wealthy family. His father was a Junker, and his
mother came from a middle-class family. Bismarck was sent away to school in
Berlin and managed to pass his law examinations winning a spot in the Prussian
civil service. He spent four years as a civil servant followed by a year of military
service. On his mother's death in 1839, he retired to run the family a state. In
1847 he married Joanna von Puttkamer, who was deeply religious.
Bismarck was elected to the Prussian United Diet in 1847. He was excessively
anti-liberal and involved himself in counter-revolutionary plots during the march
days of the Berlin riots in 1848. Bismarck then became Prussian envoy to the
revived diet of the German confederation post capitulation at Olmutz. During his
time there, it became his main concern to oppose Austria. As he became
increasingly anti-Austrian, he became convinced that war between Prussia and
Austria was unavoidable. He believed that such a conflict would lead to a divided
Germany with a Protestant north and a Catholic S. By 1858 he was arguing that
Prussia should seek support among German nationalists and that Austria should
be driven out of the confederation and a Kleindeutschland established.
Bismarck’s aims for Prussia
Bismarck's main aim initially was Prussian domination of North Germany rather
than full national unity. He was essentially A Prussian patriot rather than a
German nationalist, and loyal to the Prussian king, not the German people. As
such liberal nationalists viewed him with disfavour in the early 1860s seeing him
as an anti-liberal reactionary. However, Bismarck became increasingly aware of
the popular appeal of German nationalism and realised the movement might be
manipulated to enhance Prussian power. Whilst he was anti-Austrian, and
wanted German leadership in the confederation, he was not necessarily
committed to war. The policy of Realpolitik characterised Bismarck’s political
career. Whilst he was a sincere protestant, he was able to divorce personal from
political morality. He recognised that a conservative regime could no longer
operate with popular support from the liberal bourgeoisie.
Actions taken which furthered Prussia’s position: (Add examples from other
sections)
● Meeting with Napoleon at Biarritz to ensure France’s neutrality during the
Austro-Prussian war – Napoleon was happy to agree as he thought he
could benefit from the aftermath
● After the Treaty of Prague, Bismarck extended the Zollverein to include
the 4 southern German states and involved them in the new Zollparlement
– a further step to uniting Germany
, ● Bismarck began referring to Luxemburg as German and if it was
surrendered to France it would be an injury to German feelings – an
increase in Anti-French sentiment
● Bismarck appealed to the Great powers to settle the Luxemburg dispute,
resulting in Luxemburg’s independence guaranteed- angered France.
● Bismarck changed Wilhelm’s mind about putting Leopold forward for the
Hohenzollern candidature. He then modified the Ems Telegram to make
the message sound like an uncompromising response to French demand –
provoking the French into war
The use of popular feeling
● At the start, there was some speculation especially from southern states
however by the end of the war, all Germans were proud of and wished to
be associated with Germany’s triumph – united by a blind hatred of France
and all things French – brought around by government propaganda
(speeches, newspaper articles, letters.
● Popular pressure in the 4 southern states strengthened Bismarck's
negotiating hand so he was able to use his diplomatic skill by threatening
to call on the German people to create a Reich with a similar constitution
to that of the North German Federation instead of the looser system
preferred by the Southern States
● Originally Wilhelm's unwilling to accept the 'popular crown' as he saw it as
illegitimate while not wishing to let go of Prussia's monarchical power
The impact of external forces and circumstances
Growing Prussian/Austrian tension
● Relations between Austria and Prussia cooled further after Bismarck was
appointed chancellor in 1862. In December he warned Austria was inviting
catastrophe unless it recognised Prussia as an equal in Germany. Despite
Bismarck’s blustering, the prospect of defeating Austria in 1862-3 was
improbable. Prussian and German liberals regarded him with hostility and
contempt. Most German states had no wish to be dominated by Prussia,
and Austria had a much larger army.
● Dispute over Schleswig Holstein in 1863 allowed Bismarck to manoeuvre
Prussia into a conflict with Austria.
Growing Prussian/French tension
Relations between Bismarck and France:
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