Notes

The Creation of the German Empire
- Military Victory vs. France: In order to forge unity, Bismarck began to use France, a traditional enemy of Germany, as a source of anger and inspiration. Under Napoleon, many German states were defeated and the resentment still lingered which allowed Bismarck to create a hostile situation.
- After a meeting between the French and Prussian heads of state, Bismarck provided a revised version of the meeting to the press in which the Prussian leader insulted the French monarch. In response to the “insult”, France declared war on Prussia. Since Prussia did not start the war, their “defense” felt justified.
- The Prussian Army with support of other German states destroyed the France in short order in what would be called “The Franco-Prussian War”.
- After the victory, the German States convinced Prussian leader William I to accept the title of Kaiser of The German Empire. he was crowned in the Palace of Versailles.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Conclusion
- Germany was created in large part by the efforts of Otto von Bismarck and Prussia’s vast influence over the other “German” states.
- Bismarck used realistic political strategies, manipulation, and military victory to expand German territory and increase Nationalism pride.
- The Franco-Prussian War and the coronation of William I would leave France insulted, and looking for revenge.
- The German State was lead by an emperor, or Kaiser, but also had a two party legislative body and universal manhood suffrage.
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German Society
- Rapid Economic Development: German territory contained the natural resources (coal and iron) necessary for industrialization. Educational growth and a booming population allowed for a knowledgeable workforce to serve as labor and innovators in multiple fields such as the shipping, chemical, electric, steel, and weapons manufacturing industries.
- Education and Science: promoted the development of new products and industries supported by the establishment of new universities (or funding of old ones) to educate new members of the work force to be innovative and develop new technologies.
- Government: The Government sought to increase the country’s industrial capability by issuing a common currency to be used for all of Germany, developed modern transportation systems such as railroads, and reorganized the banking system. They also placed high tariffs on outside goods, a move they saw as both essential to economic growth and to aid their military power.
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German Leadership
- Under Bismarck: Bismarck’s foreign policy was designed to keep France weak while also keeping pace of Britain’s expansionist policies. Austria and Russia would be allies.
- Domestically, Bismarck looked to replace any and all local loyalties with the new German State to ensure lasting stability. Not all of his policies worked as originally intended, but he was able to incorporate his policy of realpolitik to reassess the situations and work the situation in the state’s favor. Specifically, he focused his attention on the Catholic Church and the Socialist Movement. Although he initially sought to diminish their influence over the German people, he would refocus his attention to support certain elements in order to gain support.
- Germany would become a world leader in social reform. Wages, insurance, etc
- After Bismarck: Kaiser William II would reject democratic reform but continue social welfare programs. He would invest large sums into the Navy to compete with Britain.
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