The Animated Story of German Unification | Documentary
Summary
TLDRThis historical overview traces the unification of Germany from 1815 to 1871, highlighting the pivotal roles of Otto von Bismarck and key conflicts like the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian Wars. It examines how nationalism, political maneuvering, and military strategy led to the formation of the German Empire under King Wilhelm I, reshaping European power dynamics and setting the stage for future conflicts.
Takeaways
- 🏰 The Congress of Vienna attempted to restore order in Europe after the Napoleonic Wars but couldn't fully quell the rise of nationalism.
- 🔥 Nationalism and liberal reforms sparked a revolution across Europe in 1848, leading to significant political changes and movements for German and Italian unification.
- 👑 The Frankfurt Assembly of 1849 drafted a constitution for a unified Germany, but the Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm IV rejected the offer to lead a unified Germany.
- 🛠️ Prussia's King Wilhelm I and Otto von Bismarck pursued a policy of modernization and militarism to achieve German unification.
- ✒️ Bismarck's 'Blood and Iron' speech to the Prussian parliament encapsulated his commitment to a strong, unified Germany under Prussian leadership.
- 🤝 Bismarck's diplomatic maneuvering, including the secret treaty with Italy, set the stage for the Austro-Prussian War.
- 🗡️ The Austro-Prussian War resulted in a decisive Prussian victory, leading to the dissolution of the German Confederation and the establishment of the North German Confederation under Prussian dominance.
- 🇫🇷 The Franco-Prussian War was ignited by the Ems Dispatch, a diplomatic incident manipulated by Bismarck to provoke France into declaring war.
- 🏰 The German Empire was proclaimed in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles in 1871, with Wilhelm I as its first emperor, marking the final unification of Germany.
- 🌍 Post-unification Germany became a major world power, engaging in colonization and influencing global politics until the events leading to World War I.
Q & A
What was the main cause of the revolution that swept across Europe in 1848?
-The revolution in 1848 was primarily caused by the growing sentiment of nationalism and the desire for liberal reforms against ruling monarchies and oppressive regimes.
What was the 'German Question' mentioned in the script?
-The 'German Question' referred to the debate over whether Prussia or Austria would dominate a future German state, as Germany was not yet unified and was divided among numerous kingdoms.
Why did King Friedrich Wilhelm I of Prussia decline the offer to become the emperor of a united Germany in 1849?
-King Friedrich Wilhelm I declined the offer because he found it disgraceful to accept a crown handed by the peasantry and revolutionaries, preferring a unification achieved through Prussian proficiency and victory.
What significant event did Otto von Bismarck's appointment as Prime Minister lead to?
-Otto von Bismarck's appointment as Prime Minister led to a series of wars and diplomatic maneuvers that resulted in the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership.
How did Bismarck use the situation with Denmark to further Prussian ambitions?
-Bismarck used the Danish November Constitution of 1863, which affected the ethnic German minority in Schleswig-Holstein, as a pretext to call the German Confederation to war with Denmark, leading to a swift Prussian victory and the acquisition of the Duchies.
What was the outcome of the Austro-Prussian War and how did it affect German unification?
-The Austro-Prussian War resulted in a decisive Prussian victory. The subsequent Treaties of Prague and Vienna led to the dissolution of the German Confederation and the formation of the North German Confederation under Prussian leadership, which was a significant step towards German unification.
What was the role of Italy in the Austro-Prussian War?
-Italy allied with Prussia and opened a second front against Austria, fighting in battles such as Custoza and Garda, although they were ultimately less successful and their involvement was cut short by the peace settlements.
How did Bismarck orchestrate the Franco-Prussian War?
-Bismarck manipulated the situation involving the Spanish throne and the Hohenzollern candidacy to provoke France into declaring war. He then used the Ems Dispatch, which he tampered with, to further outrage the French and justify war to the German states.
What were the consequences of the Franco-Prussian War for France?
-The consequences for France included the capture of Emperor Napoleon III at the Battle of Sedan, the fall of the Second Empire, the establishment of the Third Republic, and eventually the loss of Alsace-Lorraine and significant war reparations.
How did the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership impact Europe?
-The unification of Germany created a powerful new nation with a strong industrial and military capacity, which significantly altered the balance of power in Europe and set the stage for future conflicts.
Outlines
🏰 The Aftermath of Napoleonic Wars and 1848 Revolutions
The paragraph discusses the political climate in Europe following the Napoleonic Wars and the ineffective peace efforts of the Congress of Vienna. It highlights the rise of nationalism and its role in the revolutions of 1848, which swept across Europe leading to challenges against monarchies and foreign powers. The narrative focuses on Germany's push for unification under a constitutional monarchy and the nationalist movements within the Austrian Empire. It also covers the fall of the French monarchy, leading to the Second Republic, and the drafting of a constitution for a united Germany in the Frankfurt Assembly. The refusal of Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm I to accept the crown from the revolutionaries is emphasized, as is the eventual suppression of these uprisings by conservative forces, despite contributing to a climate of change and reform.
🤝 Bismarck's Rise and Prussian-Led German Unification
This section details Otto von Bismarck's appointment as Prussian Prime Minister and his mission to end parliamentary interference in the King's ambitions. It describes his famous 'Blood and Iron' speech and the opposition it faced from the liberal parliament. The narrative then shifts to Bismarck's strategic manipulations to justify war, including the conflict over the Schleswig-Holstein Duchies and the secret treaty with Italy. The paragraph outlines the Austro-Prussian War, the military strategies and challenges faced by both sides, and the eventual Prussian victory. It concludes with the aftermath of the war, including the treaties that led to Prussian annexation of northern German states and the dissolution of the German Confederation in favor of a Prussian-led one.
🔥 The Franco-Prussian War and its Consequences
The paragraph focuses on the events leading to the Franco-Prussian War, including the Spanish throne crisis and the role of the Hohenzollern royal family. It describes how Bismarck's manipulation of the Ems Dispatch led to a war declaration by France. The narrative contrasts the efficient Prussian mobilization with the disastrous French efforts, highlighting the organizational and supply issues that plagued the French army. The paragraph details the course of the war, including key battles and the eventual French defeat at the Battle of Sedan, which resulted in the capture of Emperor Napoleon III. It discusses the fall of Paris, the rise of the Third French Republic, and the signing of the Treaty of Frankfurt, which had significant implications for French territory and international relations.
🛠️ Post-War Germany and the Emergence of Wilhelm II
This section outlines the rise of Germany as a major world power following the Franco-Prussian War, emphasizing its industrial and military growth. It discusses Germany's colonial ambitions, including the organization of the Berlin Conference and the acquisition of territories in Africa. The paragraph also covers the succession of German emperors, from Wilhelm I to his grandson Wilhelm II, who clashed with Bismarck over governance and policy. The narrative concludes with Wilhelm II's eventual dismissal of Bismarck and his plans for the German Empire.
📢 Conclusion and Call to Action
The final paragraph serves as a conclusion to the video script, emphasizing the historical significance of German unification and its impact on world history. It invites viewers to request topics for future videos, promotes the creator's Patreon for additional content, and encourages viewers to like, subscribe, and support the channel. The call to action includes a note to include a subscribe pop-up with noise to engage viewers.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Napoleonic Wars
💡Congress of Vienna
💡Nationalism
💡German Confederation
💡Otto von Bismarck
💡Austro-Prussian War
💡Franco-Prussian War
💡German Empire
💡Treaty of Frankfurt
💡Wilhelm II
Highlights
The Napoleonic Wars ended in 1815, leaving a lasting impact on Europe.
The Congress of Vienna attempted to restore order but could not quell the rise of nationalism.
1848 saw a continent-wide revolution against monarchies and oppressive regimes.
In Germany, a movement for unification under a constitutional monarchy emerged.
Nationalists in the Austrian Empire sought independence, autonomy, or liberal reform.
The Second Republic was proclaimed in France after the monarchy fell in 1848.
The German tricolor became a symbol of unity amidst the drive for a constitutional German state.
The Frankfurt Assembly drafted a constitution for a united Germany, proposing Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm I as emperor.
Friedrich Wilhelm I declined the crown, seeking a unification led by Prussian might, not revolution.
Uprisings across Germany called for the establishment of the Frankfurt-proposed constitution.
Prussian military suppressed revolutionary movements, seeking to maintain the status quo.
Despite the failure of German and Italian unification movements, they spurred reform across Europe.
Prussia began a massive program of modernization in 1862, shaping its history.
Otto von Bismarck was appointed Prime Minister with a mission to end parliamentary interference.
Bismarck's 'Blood and Iron' speech outlined his militaristic vision for Prussian-led German unification.
The Danish November Constitution of 1863 provided Bismarck with a casus belli against Denmark.
The Treaty of Vienna led to the Danish cession of Schleswig, Holstein, and Saxe-Lauenburg.
Bismarck orchestrated the Austro-Prussian War, leveraging conflicts over Schleswig and Holstein.
The Prussian victory in the Austro-Prussian War led to the dissolution of the German Confederation.
The Ems Dispatch, altered by Bismarck, was a pivotal act leading to the Franco-Prussian War.
The Franco-Prussian War began with French mobilization and ended with a decisive Prussian victory.
The Treaty of Frankfurt resulted in the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine, sowing the seeds for World War I.
Germany's unification led to its emergence as a major world power with significant industrial and military capacity.
The Berlin Conference of 1884 set rules for colonization and established German spheres of influence.
Emperor Wilhelm II's rise to power marked a shift in German governance, leading to Bismarck's dismissal.
Transcripts
We begin in 1815. The Napoleonic Wars have, after two decades, come to a close. But despite
the attempts made at the Congress of Vienna, the shadow of the French Revolution and Napoleon’s
conquest linger over Europe. The effects of nationalism are exponentially increasing,
and the continent is bound for new and rather unwelcome change. Nations are simultaneously torn
apart and drawn together by the common goals and culture of regional peoples now against
the ruling monarchies that are hellbent on maintaining their total authority.
In 1848 these sentiments explode into a continent-wide revolution against
ruling monarchies, oppressive regimes, and foreign powers. In Germany, a united sense of
identity drives a movement for unification under a constitutional monarchy. In the Austrian Empire,
German, Hungarian, and Italian nationalists rise up against the state, advocating for
either independence, autonomy, or liberal reform. . During these uprisings, as we look to France,
after a series of protests against French Ministers and upper-class authority,
the monarchy falls once more, and on February 24th, the Second Republic is proclaimed.
The nationalist fervor spread, encompassing the disunited states of Germany and its people. . The
black, red, and gold German tricolor is flown throughout the small German kingdoms as monarchs
are forced to grant significant concessions to the masses of protesters marching the streets
of their major cities. The liberal endeavor of a unified Germany is discussed at the first and
short lived national assembly held in Frankfurt as a constitution is drafted, and there is further
discussion of the “German Question,” the query of whether Prussia or Austria will dominate a future
German state. Prussia, the largest of the German kingdoms, is at first spared by the developments
arising in the heartland of the region; however, protesters quickly rise in the capital city of
Berlin, and conflict erupts between them and soldiers stationed in the city. A year later,
in 1849, the National Assembly in Frankfurt has come to an agreement, proposing a new
constitution for a united German state, led by an emperor. The man asked to take this position
is none other than the Prussian king, Friedrich Wilhelm I. This offer is declined by the king,
who found it a disgrace to his image and royal lineage to accept a crown handed by the
peasantry and their revolution “from the gutter.” Prussia wanted Germany united by their own hand,
through proficiency and victory, not through the uncivilized protest and objection of the middle
classes. While this event mostly killed the possibility of a united constitutional German
Empire, new uprisings across Germany, most importantly in Dresden, still call for the
establishment of the constitution. These revolutionaries are then put down by the
local military garrisons with assistance from the Prussian military, who, amongst all, most greatly
desire an end to these insurgencies against their status quo. After a series of conflicts throughout
the continent, most of these uprisings are crushed by the conservative ruling classes, but the ends
of these protests have not left Europe without the side effects of their actions. The movements for
German and Italian unification has failed, but their movements have made large strides toward
reform across the continent. A movement for change is growing, and soon, it would succeed.
But to find this change, we must fast forward. Germany would soon be united, but not by the hand
of the people but by the prowess of the Prussian Kingdom. The people want change; it is coming,
but not in the way that anyone expects. The Prussians want reform, on their own terms, not by
the “insignificant” working classes of the nation, but by the will of the state and its authority.
In 1862, the Prussians begin a massive program of modernization that would forever shape its
history. King Wilhelm l does not want political reform, but rather a modernization of the state
through might and power, and unification by the ability of Prussia and its constituents.
The nation and its liberal politicians do not want such militaristic and authoritarian action
to be taken, so in order to achieve his dream of unity and power, King Wilhelm appoints a man who
would change the world. Arguably the greatest and most renowned statesmen of modern history. One
Otto von Bismarck. In the words of Bismarck himself, because “It is not by speeches and
majority decisions that the great questions of the day be decided…. but by iron and blood.
And this is exactly what he intended to do, in the name of Prussia and its glory.
Bismarck is appointed to the position of Prime Minister in 1862 with one mission.
Ensure the end of parliamentary interference upon the will of the King and his ambitions.
Bismarck appeared in parliament, giving one of the most renowned and powerful speeches in history,
with the title taking reference to the speech itself and its most famous line. Blood and Iron.
This militaristic statement is met with uproar from the rather liberal parliament,
which opposed the proposed army reform. The bounds of the liberal German confederation,
born of a poor attempt at restoring unity and stability, confined the will and aspirations of
the growing Prussian Kingdom. 4
But, this confederation is just what Bismarck needed to secure war justifications to ensure
Prussian-led German unification. You see, during the 1848 revolutions, the Kingdom of Denmark
defeated Prussia during the First Schleswig War, and relations had never really healed since then.
Tensions arose once again due to the Danish November Constitution,
which is pushed through by Danish nationalists in 1863.
The constitution violated the London Protocol due to its major impacts upon the ethnic German
minority living in the Schleswig-Holstein Duchies. As as result, conflict quickly
erupt in 1864. Bismarck seized this opportunity by calling the Confederation to war with Denmark,
swiftly defeating and humiliating them despite a desperate last stand by the Danes at the island
of Als (alce). The Treaty of Vienna in October of the same year saw the Danish cession of the
Duchies of Schleswig (schleesch-wvich), Holstein, and Saxe-Lauenburg to a separate but coordinated
occupation by Prussia and Austria. 5
Bismarck however, is left dissatisfied by this peace, but within it, saw an opportunity to once
and for all settle the (saw this with a pause between German and Question) “German Question.”
Conflict soon arises over the future of Schleswig and Holstein as Austria wants to unite the
two occupation zones into a single independent entity, while Prussia wishes to either ensure its
influence over Schleswig and Holstein or to annex the duchies outright. To ensure their victory,
Prussia sends a secret treaty to the recently unified Italian Kingdom, which states that in
the event of war, Italy would join Prussia against Austria in return for ethnically Italian land held
by the Austrians. Specifically, the region of Venetia, a territory long cherished by Austria
for its strategic importance and it being the last remaining Italian territory for the Empire.
It remained as a pitiful remnant of its once grand authority the Holy Roman Empire held over
the Italian peninsula. The Italians were eager for another war against the Austrians, as they
had technically defeated them in the 2nd Italian War of Independence in 1859. However, the French,
Italian allies, did the important fighting, and were the only reason the Sardinians won. Without
French support, Austria would have crushed the Italians. As a result, Sardinia took Lombardy
from Austria, and formed the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Now, back to 1863. Bismarck is preparing
Prussia for war, and this does not go unnoticed by fellow statesmen and political figures of Europe.
The liberals, keen on preventing a conservative and militaristic Prussia from securing its hold
over a future Germany, side with Austria because had recently undergone major political reforms.
On February 26, 1861, Austria adopted the February Patent as the Imperial Constitution,
creating a House of Lordsand a House of Deputies to give the peoples of the empire representation.
Additionally, the Austrian’s lack the expansionist ambitions that pose a major threat to liberal
reform in Europe. The wars that are coming are not ones by the will of the people but orchestrated by
a select few statesmen, hellbound on attaining further power and authority. Bismarck’s
manipulation is both masterful and meticulous, driving Austria right into his trap, ensuring
that his war is quote-unquote justified. He first accuses Austria of violating their occupation
treaty, then to evaluate and review the situation, Austria goes to the German Confederation for
arbitration and clarification, which is then a legitimate violation of the treaty of vienna,
leading to a now valid war justification. 6
The Prussians then seize the Austrian-occupied Holstein and then propose a motion to remove
Austria from the confederation entirely. This sparks war, and just as Bismark had planned,
conflict begun, and his conviction in Prussia’s military power facilitated his confidence.
The Austro-Prussian War has begun as German brothers fought in an ethnic war
for a superiority that would decide the fate of modern Germany. During this war,
the Prussians fight alongside many of the small Northern Protestant German states and later Italy,
while the Austrians mostly have the Southern Catholic German states and the confederation.
Prussia’s military high command, while less experienced on an actual battlefield,
has a stockpile of more modern weaponry, and a much more coordinated and organized command
structure. While Austria, on the other hand, has a rather outdated military system but has much
more experienced generals and officers, with both sides relying on basic inexperienced conscripts.
Another leading challenge is Austria’s multiethnic empire. Conscripts can’t
solely be from German-speaking territories, but rather the army, like the empire itself,
is made up of many different languages and peoples who will either have troubles
communicating with the rest of the army or will lack the loyalty necessary to sustain a conflict.
This highlights many of the challenges Austria faced and why it is so desperate to stay out
of conflict with Prussia. It is also important to note that this is the first major use of a “needle
gun,” a new type of breech loading firearm that could shoot preprepared cartridges that
included gunpowder and the bullet within a small little container, then using a needle to poke the
cartridge, firing the bullet. 7
The war begins with fierce fighting beginning in Hannover and Bohemia, with both sides facing
issues from communication, to lack of rations. The Prussians do not have a decisive victory
on the Northern front, but due to a Bavarian withdrawal and the division of confederation
forces in the region, the Prussians manage to sweep through, taking the key and historic
city of Frankfurt as the Bavarians retreat to defensive positions in their own territory.
Prussia then sees successes in Bohemia due to its superior weaponry, leading to the famous Battle of
Königgrätz in early July that saw heavy casualties on both sides but still a major Prussian victory.
As we turn to the South, Italy maintains its commitment and, on June 19th, joined the conflict,
opening a second Southern front for the Austrians. A battle immediately begins in the border city of
Custoza that raged on for an entire day, with both sides trading key positions on the battlefield and
making numerous mistakes that could have turned the tide of the battle. By the end of the day,
the Italians were forced to retreat, but despite their loss in the battle, they took around 20,000
fewer casualties and showed that they had been underestimated by the Austrian high command.
Italy then makes a successful push at the city of Garda but is stopped once news is heard of
the beginning of peace settlements. The war officially comes to an end on July 26th,
with the conflict only lasting seven weeks as an explicit and decisive Prussian victory.
The Treaties of Prague and Vienna are signed, and rather than imposing harsh punishment and
humiliation upon the Austrian Empire, Bismarck insists that the peace is to be mild without any
harsh penalties so as not to isolate Austria from Prussia as a future ally. Even going as far as
threatening to resign when his requests were not met by King Wilhelm. The King is forced to concede
after his son pressures him to accept Bismarck’s proposal, seeing the value in an Austrian ally.
As a result, Austria simply had to pay financial reparations to Prussia, cede Venizia to Italy,
and dissolve the German Confederation in favor of one led by Prussia. With this peace, Prussia
annexed many northern German states allied with Austria, such as Hannover, Schleswig-Holstein, and
Frankfurt. With Prussia also forcing its influence on the Southern German states in preparation
for a full unification. But to do this, Bismarck had one last cunning plan, with one goal, and all
he had to do is wait for the opportunity. 8
In July of 1870, he got precisely what he needed. You see, during this time, the Spanish throne had
been left vacant and was offered to Prince Leopold Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, a member of the Swabian
branch of the Hohenzollern royal family, the same dynasty that ruled the Prussian Kingdom. Once
news reached France that Prince Leopold actually accepted the offer, the public was in outrage at
the prospect of having the same aggressive royal families rule two countries neighboring France.
Obviously, not wanting to fight on two massive fronts in the event of war, leading to many major
political figures in France denouncing Leopold’s decision and calling upon King Wilhelm to prevent
him from taking power. Agénor de Gramont, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, made a powerful
speech about the dangers of Hohenzollern leadership in Spain, then sending Count
Vincent Benetdeti as an ambassador to speak with King Wilhelm in the city of Bad Ems. Benedetti
requested the King negate Prince Leopold’s claim to the Spanish throne and force him to decline
the offer. King Wilhelm is furious that he has to manage such a crisis but does ask
Prince Leopold’s father to refuse the Spanish throne on behalf his son, which he obliges to.
Despite this, Foreign Minister Gramont is still dissatisfied and still sees a future possibility
of a Hohenzollern Spain, prompting him to send Benedetti to King Wilhelm once again
to have him announce and assert that no member of the Hohenzollern dynasty will ever again lay
claim to the Spanish throne. King Wilhelm quickly refuses to make such a statement,
having the information of this altercation relayed to Bismarck famously by telegram.
Receiving the message, Bismarck alters the telegram to make it appear that King Wilhelm
had greatly disrespected Benedetti during their confrontation, sending this tampered version of
the dispatch to diplomats, foreign embassies, and to the media by the evening of July 13th. The next
day, the news of this telegram reaches France, and the people are outraged by this artificial
and altered act of contempt by King Wilhelm. So as to resolve the increasingly precarious and hostile
situation, it is decided that a council be formed to resolve the crisis. Unfortunately however,
the French Minister of War, Edmond Le Bœuf, convinced French Emperor Napoleon III to mobilize
the army and prepare for war against Prussia rather than peacefully resolving the situation.
The following day after a debate over the matter within parliament, the government voted to
formally declare war against Prussia. A patriotic sentiment that had already begun the day before
due to the altered Ems Dispatch reaching France on Bastille Day, sweeps across the nation as the men
prepare for a valiant and noble war against Prussia, wishing to defeat the growing Kingdom and
secure their influence in Europe. Soldiers march through the streets leading patriotic parades
as bands play the French national anthem as the nation prepares for a war that will define modern
history. In Prussia, a similar sensation is seen as soldiers and working men alike parade through
the streets, singing songs, and celebrating both their King and Otto von Bismarck. The Prussians
then mobilize their army in conjunction with other German states such as Bavaria, Hessen, Baden,
and Wurrtenburg. War then begins, and the North German Confederation joins together against France
(talk slower with a sadder and kinda remorseful tone, like you feel bad for France) as the Second
Empire will stand alone on the battlefield, without allies or large military capability
against an enemy hell-bent on French humiliation and German expansion.
9 In the Prussian camp,
mobilization is proceeding in an efficient and timely matter due to the use of faster trains
and greater military organization, with Prussian forces arriving at the frontlines a mere two weeks
after the government ordered mobilization. The confederation army is made up of a combination
of armies from each of the participating German states, all commanded under Prussian leadership,
specifically all under the larger command of Prince Frederick Wilhelm and Field Marshall
Helmuth von Moltke The Elder leading the first and second German armies. With this combined
army totaling to approximately 520,000 men. In France, mobilization has gone disastrously,
with much of the imperial army having to travel from across the country to reach the frontlines,
leading to major delays and disorganization among the troops and complete chaos in concentration
points. With soldiers who are near the frontlines being forced to deploy with either minimal
training, without full strength and organization, or simply departing before receiving all necessary
equipment. Overall it is a complete disaster that would define French performance in this conflict.
Despite this, there is confidence among the French high command due to their
approach of having pre-stockpiled supply depots near the frontlines as to ensure
efficient and rapid deployment of weapons and other supplies.
This plan was initially deemed rather good, but it remains unknown to many that corrupt officials
diverted the allocated funds for set aside for filling the depots with supplies. Instead,
they selfishly appropriated the money for personal gain. This
misappropriation has led to another disastrous outcome for the French.
The military high command then send urgent messages back to the capital to mend the
situation, but by this point, it has become too late. There are serious shortages of weapons,
food, ammunition, uniforms, and general equipment that can not be supplied, as war has already
broken out, and any attempt to supply these soldiers as they get mowed down by the superior
German infantry would simply be in vain with the French army still being outnumbered nearly 2 to 1,
having only 300,000 men. But now, war has begun, and the conflict is beginning to unfold.
10 The war begins,
and the French makes a quick breakthrough into the city of Saarbrucken, but they soon unnecessarily
retreat and abandon the city, likely in fear that they would soon be ambushed as, without sufficient
supplies, they would not be able to launch the major offensive, they had planned. The Germans,
realizing the French have no ability to perform their large assault across the border,
start engaging the French for key cities on the French side of the border, beginning at the key
railway hub city of Wissembourg, which the Germans take in less than a day. Securing a major point
that will be used to supply and transport more soldiers to the frontline to perform quick and
rapid assaults on the French lines. Despite this victory, the Germans suffered heavy losses due
to the superior range of French rifles, leading to similar results for each coming battle.
The French would take defensive positions on territory that favored their superior range,
causing the Germans to have to attack and rush through open enemy terrain to even get in range
because while the German rifles were superior at their effective range, they would lose nearly 50%
of their men just to get to that point. Creating a cycle of near-suicidal German victory, but at a
very heavy price that would define German military reputation during this conflict. The end of most
organized French resistance came at the Battle of Sedan, during which the entire city is surrounded,
leading to the capture of over 100,000 French soldiers and even Emperor Napoleon lll himself.
This would cause a massive uprising in Paris that deposed the emperor, that installed the
Third French Republic. The combined German armies then began sweeping through the country
and laying siege to Paris. During this time, on January 18th, 1871, in the Hall of Mirrors
in the Royal Palace of Versailles, the German Empire is proclaimed a nation that would finally,
after millennia, truly unite the German people with Prussian King Wilhelm l as its emperor.
Paris would fall soon after on January 28th, despite fierce civilian resistance.
Leading to the new President Adolphe Thiers being forced to negotiate with the new German Empire.
An armistice is signed in February, during which a socialist French Revolution,
aka the French Commune, rose up in Paris but is soon crushed by the new government. Then
on May 18th, the Treaty of Frankfurt is signed, leading to the German occupation
of much of Northern France, a large sum of war reparations, and most importantly,
the annexation of Alsace-Lorriane, a French territory with a sizeable German minority,
with a desire for the return of this territory leading French revenge leading up to World
War l and its decision to harshly punish Germany at the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.
Germany would become a major world power with a massive industrial and military capacity fueled
by its growing population that would define its politics and foreign policy for the coming
decades. The Germans then began to colonize, organizing the Berlin Conference in 1884 to
set rules for colonization and create trade regulations, as well as establishing spheres
of influence and claimed territories for those invited to the conference.
The Germans would take territory in modern-day these modern day african nations.
In 1888, Emperor Wilhelm l died at the age of 90, followed by his son Emperor Frederick
lll who only reigned for 99 days, dying of throat cancer. Leading to his son Wilhelm
ll taking the throne at the age of 29 on June 15 1888. Unlike his grandfather, Wilhelm II
was determined to actually rule Germany, which put him in immediate competition with Bismarck,
who clung onto his power and believed he could manipulate and control his young kaiser.
While Bismarck was instrumental in unifying Germany, he had used classical liberals,
socialists, and catholics, as scapegoats to hold onto power, engraining division in
the very essence of German culture, and he was staunchly against the minor liberal reforms that
Wilhelm believed in, such as labor unions, and better workers rights. Wilhelm II, always eager
to prove himself, finally removed Bismarck from power on March 20, 1890, after being undermined
by the Iron Chanceller for the previous 2 years. Wilhelm II had new plans for the German empire,
and was ready for his moment in the sun. German unification is an event that changed history,
and its importance must not be understated. A nation now finally born out of Iron and Blood!
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