How Did Bismarck Contribute To The Unification Of Germany

During the mid–1800s, the people of Germany began a nationalist movement. Beginning in 1815, Germany contained 39 states that formed a group known as the German confederation. However, the King of Prussia, Wilhelm I, wanted to unify all the German states in attempt for power and prosperity. At the time, Prussia enjoyed the advantages of having a mainly German population, and having the Prussian army act as one of the most powerful armies in central Europe. Wilhelm I went on to promote a conservative junker, Otto von Bismarck, as his prime minister as proceeded to group all states of Germany into one powerful empire. Although Germany had to face obstacles such as a lack in support from the liberal parliament and a shortage in money towards

By winning continuous wars in Germany, Wilhelm and Bismarck were able to successfully unify Germany into one strong empire. Bismarck began his succession of wars in 1866, during the Seven Weeks’ War. This war began when Bismarck intentionally began border conflicts with Austria, which led Austria to have to declare a war due to these tensions. The Prussians were fortunate enough to have their superior training and equipment to help them be victorious. The Prussians easily defeated Austria in the Seven Weeks’ War, which allowed Prussian annexation and more German territory. This victory was so significant towards the unification of Germany because for the first time the eastern and western parts of Prussia were successfully joined. Prussia was able to take control of northern Germany, and completely dominated the confederation. This majorly affected the unification of Germany it ultimately allowed Prussia to conquer neighboring countries, which is extremely helpful and necessary when striving to build an empire. Secondly, The Franco-Prussian War came about shortly after the Seven Weeks’ War, in 1867. By this time, there were only a few states that remained independent of Prussian control. Many of the southern Germans were Catholics, who resisted from Prussian domination.