by Matthew Adams

Created on: September 03, 2010

The question of German unification was debated prior to 1871. When, and how, Germany could be united was open to question. Some suggested that Germany should be united as Kleindeutschland, a smaller united Germany without Austria. The other alternative was that of Grossdeutschland which suggested that Germany should include Austria.

In the event, the question of German unification would be answered by Otto Bismarck. Bismarck was a Prussian aristocrat who emerged as Minister-President of Prussia in 1862. Upon his appointment Bismarck made it clear that he aimed to unite Germany as Kleindeutschland, which would include Prussia as the largest state.

In 1862 Bismarck made a speech to the Prussian chamber where he is quoted:

“The great questions of the time will not be resolved by speeches and majority decisions—that was the great mistake of 1848 and 1849—but by iron and blood.” The blood and iron speech made it clear that Bismarck would rely on the Prussian military, and Prussian industry, to unite Germany.

The first step towards German unification came in 1864, as Bismarck demanded that Schleswig and Holstein be restored by Denmark. With the support of Austria, Prussian armies crossed the border. The victory of the Prussian army saw Denmark surrender Schleswig and Holstein.

However, a more significant war emerged in 1866 between Austria and Prussia. Here, Bismarck suggested that Austria had violated the Convention of Gastien. With the support of Italy the Austrians eventually surrendered in this war. At the Peace of Prague the North German Confederation was established which included a number of German states.

In 1870 Bismarck ensured German unification in the Franco-Prussian war. The potential emergence of Leopold as king of Spain was greatly encouraged by Bismarck. However, the potential for a Germanic king was not welcomed by France. The editing of the Ems dispatch by Bismarck led to war between France and Prussia. During this war the French were decisively beaten at Metz and Prussian troops occupied Paris. The war ended with France surrendering Alsace-Lorraine to a new united Germany.

With France defeated the unification of Germany was complete. The southern states joined with the North German Confederation in 1871. Wilhelm 1st emerged as king of Germany, and it was left to Bismarck to draft a new constitution for Germany. Bismarck would also be appointed foreign minister for the German Empire.

So, by negotiating alliances Bismarck's diplomacy had ensured victory for Prussia and the North German Confederation in three wars of unification. As such, in each the Danes, Austrians, and French were defeated by the Prussian army which paved the way for German unification.

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