3. How was Germany unified?
German Unification followed a similar timeline to that of Italian Unification - finally being completed in 1871.
However, as you will see, the forces and individuals which drove forward German Unification were in some ways different to those in Italy.
(This section is currently being written - it will be finished July 2024)
3.1. Why was Germany not unified in 1848 - 50?
As with Italy, the forces of nationalism and liberalism were unleashed as a result of the actions of Napoleon and, as with Italy, the Congress of Vienna attempted to put a lid on these forces and put...
3.2. How did Bismarck bring about Austria’s defeat of 1866?
Following the end of the 1848 revolutions, Austria was able to reassert its control and to restore the bund under its leadership. However, the growing economic dominance of Prussia in the next decades,...
3.3 How did Bismarck bring about France’s defeat of 1870?
After the defeat of Austria 1866 many French people agreed with the French general who said, 'It is France that has been defeated at Sadowa'. Prussia had gained territory but France had gained nothing....
3.4 How far was Bismarck responsible for the unification of Germany?
This page looks at the causes of German unification and the role of Bismarck; did he meticulously plan the final outcome or did he have no grand master plan but just make the most of opportunities when...