Unification of Germany

BACKGROUND

Germany had 1789 independent sovereign powers in the medieval times.

Napoleon had won much areas of Germany and converted it as 39 states and created Rhino Federation. 

The Settlement Congress of Vienna led to the formation of German Confederation which still consisted 39 states. 

German Confeďeration consisted of two largest states : Austro - Hungarian Empire and Prussia.

Causes of unification of Germany 

1. Role of Bismarck

Otto Von Bismarck was the Chancellor of Prussia. His main goal was to strengthen the position of Prussia in Europe. He had also several goals alongwith:

a. to unify the north German states under Prussian control.

b. to weaken Prussia's main rival, Austria, by removing it from German Federation. 

c. to make Berlin, not Vienna, the centre of German Federation. 

2. Decline of Austria

Austria had been an ally of Russia but refused to help Russia in Crimean War against France and Britain. As a result, Austria lost a major ally.

3. Prussian economic strength 

Prussia was producing more kry resources such as coal and iron than Austria. Prussia was building roads and train network to help promote trade.

4. Prussian military power

Prussian military was better than Austria.

Why Prussia dominated over Austria ?

1. The population of Prussia : The people living in Prussia were mainly German speaking, those people, on the other hand, living in Austria were having different ethnicity. 

2. Napoleon : Nepoleon were the main reason of German unification because Napoleon were dominating in the territory of German and Prussian people where firmly opposing.

3. Prussian had also shared the glory of victory at Waterloo.

4. Liberal ideas.

5. Industrialized and economically developed Prussia.

6. Role of Otto Von Bismarck. 

Reforms to help the workers and peasants 

1. Taxes were lowered. 

2. Government started helping people in taking out loans.

3. Less regulations for the coal and iron industries. 

4. Workers experienced better working conditions. 

The decline of Austria

International issue : As we have discussed above that Austria denied to help Russia in Crimean War. As a result, Austria was not getting support from Russia. 

Economic issues: Austria could barely compete with the economic benefits of the Zollverein. Southern Europe had not benefitted as much from the Industrial Revolution and spread of the railways.