German Unification Essay by Chris Laird

Introduction

2024-02-23 11:53:16 UTC

During the 1800s, nationalism had been growing through the German states. German identity was growing through their poetry, music and literature. German states were reorganised by the Confederation of the Rhine, the benefits of working together were shown through the Zollverein however some states and their leaders still opposed unification. Some historians debate what the most important factor is but this essay will argue that the role of Bismarck was the most important reason. To investigate this further other factors must be looked at such as Prussian Military Strength and Prussian Economic Strength.

Introduction

2024-02-23 11:53:41 UTC

Nationalism had been growing throughout the German states during the 1800s. There was a growing sense of German identity through literature, poetry and music. The Confederation of the Rhine was formed to prevent France from taking over German states, creating more unity between them. Also the Zollverein showed the states the benefits of working together, however some states still opposed unification. This essay will assess the factors of the role of Bismarck, Prussian military strength and the role of other countries and evaluate how important they were for German unification. This essay will argue that the role of Bismarck was the most important factor

Prussian Economic Strength

2024-02-23 12:06:15 UTC

Prussian Economic Strength was an important reason for German Unification 1871. In 1815, Prussia acquired land in the Rhine and Saarland which gave the access to vast amounts of coal, iron and wood which boosted their industrial production. For example, by 1870 Prussia was producing 5x more coal and iron than Austria. Prussia also built many more rails and roads which promoted trade within states. Prussia also passed many reforms to help the lower classes such as lowering taxes and better working conditions. Prudsian Economic Strength was an important reason for German unification as the growth of railways helped the Prussian army take great advantage of the new railways meaning they had arrived in opposition territory before they even had the chance to mobilise. This railway boom also further created jobs for German citizens. However, it could be said that Prussia’s success drove some states to support Austria as they resented Prussian economic dominance which created more division among German states, making German unification more difiicult to achieve. In evaluation, Prussian Economic Strength was an important reason for German unification as Prussia had set up the Zollverein with other German states which made trading between states easier and more profitable. However, the role of Bismarck was more important because his army reforms that got passed, such as the introduction of the needle gun, allowed Prussia to be dominant on the battlefield meaning the army grew strong. This was more important because these battles won due to the needle gun would unite states from then on as they realised working together was beneficial whereas many states didnt join the Zollverein.

PRUSSIAN MILITARY STRENGTH

2024-02-23 12:12:12 UTC

Prussian military strength was effective for German unification. The Evidence is that the plans to reform the army were the work of Prussian Generals von Roon and Von Moltke. General Helmuth von Moltke was known as an ‘organisational genius while War Minister Roon ensured that prussian forces were increased, better trained and well-armed (1KU). Their plans made the Prussian army the most efficient in Europe, in contrast to the Austrian army that was recovering from its disastrous war against Italy. The army was equipped with the latest tactics and immense technological advantages (1KU). Prussian Military Strength was important because Von Moltke had realised the importance of keeping up to date with changes in modern warfare and it was the German use of guns on the battlefield that gave them such an advantage between 1865 and 1871. If it had not been for the Prussian army the. Bismarck would have not been able to win the wars of unification (A+) However it could be argued Prussian Military strength was not as important due to Bismarck. He was instrumental in solving the constitutional crisis of 1862 and kept the budget for improving the army quite high. After a long argument about who would pay for army reforms Bismarck cut through the red tape and ordered local people to pay increased taxes (A-) Overall, in evaluation, Prussian military strength due to Von Motke’s organisation skills in modern warfare and for both Generals Von Motke and Von Roon advancing of the Prussian Army to create a strong backing to Bismarcks course. However, the role of Bismarck was more important as he used Realpolitik tactics strengthening the army and improving their status as a dominant force against other states . His use of real Realpolitik allowed Bismarck the room to maneuver around his enemies and achieve German Unification (E)

The Decline of Austria

2024-02-23 12:23:03 UTC

The decline of Austria was an inportant reason for German unification. The decline of Austria had occured for several reasons. Austria had lost key allies and was losing influence in Europe. For example, Austria and Russua had long been allies but Austria refused to help Russia during the Crimean war of 1854-56 which lost them a major ally. The Zollverein also highlighted Austria’s weaknesses as many German states were involved and Austria was included. Their geographical position also made it difficult to trade with Europes northern states. When Austria was defeated in a war in 1859 with France, it showed how backwards and inefficient their industry and economy were. The decline of Austria was an important factor for the unification of Germany as Austria had been opposed to German unification for a long time but with Austrian power declining after 1850, they were unable to take a strong stand against Prussia whilst Prussia was booming and pushing for greater unity. However, this was less important because Bismarck took actions to worsen Austrias situation as he knew they were a major obstacle to unificaton. Bismarck built alliances with Russia, Britain and Italy which isolated Austria and made it unlikely for them to help Austria in any future war. In evaluation, the decline of Austria was an important reason for German unification as it hadnt benefitted from the industrial revolution as much as Prussia and hadn’t gained a spread of railways. However, the role of Bismarck was more important because his actions were deliberate in weakening Austria and were the most important reason as this started the decline of Austria which likely wouldnt have occurred at this extent if it werent for Bismarck taking actions against Austria.

ROLE OF OTHER COUNTRIES

2024-02-23 12:27:12 UTC

The role of other countries was also important as a reason of german unification. Defeat of Austria in the Austro-Prussian war and the expansion of the new Prussian ‘empire’ greatly concerned France.

Napoleon III demanded compensation for Prussian expansion as he feared a shift in the balance of power in Europe with the growth of a united germany. Bismarck successfully blocked French expansionism with several political moves, other countries did not share the same alarm as shown by Napoleon for example Russia was pleased that it had a reliable partner against Austria (KU). In 1868 a revolution in Spain led to a search for a new ruler. A distant relative of the Spanish royal family was called Leapold of Hohenzollern but Leapold was a Prussian. France was worried because in a future conflict France might be trapped between a strong Prussian to the north of France and a Prussian puppet government in spain to the south. The french protested strongly and even insisted that the Hohenzollern family should give up its claim to the Spanish Throne forever.(1ku)

ROLE OF OTHER COUNRIES ANALYSIS

2024-02-26 12:24:04 UTC

The role of other countries was important in helping German unification because they allowed prussia to grow in power. Britain and Russia saw the benefits of working with prussia and their actions helped to increase prussian strength and dominance over other german states. A+

The role of other countries was not as important t as it could be argued that Bismarck helped to influence the actions of others. He stated that he did not doubt that a Franco-german war must take place before the construction of a united germany could be realised. however it is debated among historians whether or not this is true although when another opportunity arose for Bismarck to precipitate a war with france he took full advantage of it. A-

Overall in evaluation the role of othegr counties was somewhat important due to their allowing of prussia to grow in power, such as Britain and Russia who saw their benefit at working with Prussia and remain allies. However Bismarck was more important in unification because he manipulated the communications between king wilhelm and the french which cause the outbreaks of the francogerman war. This war finally united the North and South german states

The Role of Bismarck

2024-02-26 12:24:05 UTC

Bismarck first rose to prominence in 1862 when he was made Minister-president of Prussia. This was due to a conflict between King Wilheim and the Liberals in parliament as they were concerned about Prussias military weakness. Wilheim wanted reforms which would be funded by eaised taxes and the Liberals were against this. Bismarck proposed that because parluament was refusing to pass the raise on taxes, King Wilheim should rule by himself which caused the Liberals to pass the reforms. These reforms included new battle tactics and the introduction of the needle gun. Bismarck was an important reason for German unification as he acted as a catalyst which sped up the process. His political skill allowed him to take advantage of situations as they arose even when he had no direct control over them. This resulted in Prussia having increased influence and dominance and paved the way for unification. However, there is debate among historians over whether Bismarck aimed to unify all German states or just the northern states. If complete unification was not his aim then other factors must have also played a part for this to happen such as the Zollverein which would have united Germany eventually. In evaluation, the Role of Bismarck was the most important reason for German unification as he took advantage of favourable opportunities such as the war with Austria against Denmark which weakened Austria as it had land sandwiched between Prussian territories, allowing him to grow Prussian strength and campaign which was the driving factor behind German unification

Resentment of the Treaty of Versailles

2024-03-07 09:41:48 UTC

After WW1, the Treaty of Versaille was signed in Versailles Palace on 28th June 1919. Germany was forced to accept the terms and it became know as a diktak. The war guilt clause was included stating that they need to take full blame for the war. Their army was also to be reduced to 100,000 men and there was to be no heavy artillery. The reparation clause stated that they needed to pay £6.6 billion in compensation for the war. The Treaty of Versailles was effective for the Nazis gaining power because it cause great resentment in Germany. The Weimar Republic was blamed for this treaty as Germans believed they just gave up. The Nzais used this to gain support as they portrayed the Weimar government as weak and unpatriotic. However, some say the Treaty of Versailles is less useful for the Nazis gaining power because it was over exaggerated. The treaty was signed in 1919 and altough there was great resentment at the time, between 1924 there was a period of recovery and support for pro-republic parties. The treaty alone could bot have brought the Nazis to power, other factors must also be considered. In evaluation,

Introduction 🥳

2024-03-07 09:41:49 UTC

In the last few months of WW1, Germany found itself in real difficulties, both on the western front and at home. There had been mutinies at Kiel, due to the German High Command had asked the sailers to continue the fight. The Spanish Flu was also killing people in thousands and people were starving in the streets. On February 6th 1919 and formed the Weimar Coalition and Friedrich Elbert was elected as President of the new Republic. (Background)

intro pt 2 🥸

2024-03-08 11:49:32 UTC

some argue that the treaty of versailles is the most important factory in reasons why the Nazis gained power in 1913. However this essay will argue that economic difficulties is the most important factor in reasons why the Nazis gained power in 1913. This essay will discuss factors such as weakness of the weimar republic, treaty of versailles, economic difficulties and appeal of Hitler and the Nazis after 1928.

Treaty of Versailles Evaluation

2024-03-08 11:51:02 UTC

In Evaluation, the Treaty of Versailles was quite important to why the nazis rose to power in 1933 as they lost territory like all overseas colonies and the Saarland was to be controlled by France for 15 years which caused German resentment to the goverment and showed the Weimar government as weak and gave the Nazis support. However, Economic Difficulties were more important because 50,000 businesses went bankrupt between 1930 and 1931 and saw the closure of five major banks. This showed that Germany was in an economical crisis which caused the people to find other solutions to solving this such as support more extreme parties like the Nazis aa they had lost faith the the ability of the Weimar Government

APPESL OF HITLER AND THE NAZIS AFTER 1928

2024-03-08 11:56:38 UTC

Overall, in evaluation, the Appeal of Hitler and the Nazis after 1928 was important because when the Weimar Republic were at their weakest, the Nazis capitalised on this by promising Germans a return to the strong leadership that they desired. However economic difficulties were more important because when the depression hit, memories of hyperinflation resurfaced and voters began to look elsewhere because the weimar republic did not seem to be doing enough to solve the problems and even though the Nazis never polled a majority they supported the Nazi party more than the Weimar Republic.

Economic Difficulties

2024-03-08 12:02:42 UTC

Economic Difficulties were the most inportant reason why the Nazis rose to power in 1933. Hyperinflation had a devistating impact among all German classes and money became worthless. For example, bread was worth 2 billion marks. There was also the Great Depression after hyperinflation which further dampened Germany which was when the American stock markets crashed. This meant American had to recall its debts from Germany which was allowed due to the Dawes plan which plunged Germany into economic crisis again. Economic Difficulties were important for the Nazis rise to pwer in 1933 because this embedded deep rooted resentment amongst German populace. When depression hit, this resurfaced memories of hyperinflation and voters began to look elsewhere as the Weimar Republic did not solve these issues. However, the argument that this was the main reason can be questioned. This is because the Weimar Republic was fundamentally flawed and had major weaknesses even before hyperinflation and the Great Depression. Gustav Stresemann notably said that ‘Germany is in fact dancing on a volcano’. In evaluation, Economic Difficulties were the most important reason why the Nazis gained power in 1933 because The Great Depression saw over 6 million Germans unemployed by February 1932. The Nazis promised to make Germany powerful again, creating jobs and had appealing campaign policies which cause many voters choose to change to them.

APPEAL OF HITLER EXCLUDING EVALUATION

2024-03-08 12:04:29 UTC

The Nazi party (NSPAP) was formed in 1920 and Adolf Hitler joined. In 1923 the had tried to grasp power in Munich but failed, Hitler was arrested and spent a short time in Prison. (KU) After Hitler began a campaign and aimed to destroy the system that he despised from within. The party promised to destroy the Treaty of Versailles, rearm Germany and stop paying reparations for WW1. (1KU) The appeal of Hitler and the Nazis was important as they had a broad appeal and were able to gain votes from different classes and sections of the population. Their messages were also easy to understand and relate to. (A+)However, this appeal was not as important because even at their most popular campaigns, the Nazis never polled a majority with 37.3% being their highest figure, showing that other factors must have been more significant reason of why their party eventually gained power in 1933. (A-)

Weaknesses of the Weimar Republic

2024-03-08 12:23:52 UTC

The weaknesses of the weimar republic was an important reason why the Nazis gained power in 1933. The Weimar Constitution was set out to be the most democratic system in the world however there were some flaws. One area which led to issues was that the voting system led to coalitions being formed, causing a weak government with many different views. This meant partys were always doing deals and no one could rule with true conviction. The Stab in the back myth was when Ebert’s government took blame for ending the war even though it was the generals who did. Hitler used this to soread anti-democratic rhetoric and portrayed that German was betrayed by the ‘November criminals’. Attacks from the left and right also caused weaknesses as the Weimar Republic faced pressure from the left and right political groups. The Sparticist uprising was a peacful protest which turned violent in January 1919. This became violent because the Freikorps, who were a group of hardened ex-soldiers who were kept by the government to destroy any revolution, were sent in to stop this which was successful and the leaders Rosa Luxembourg and Karl Leibknecht were captured and killed. The weaknesses of the Weimar Republic was important why the Nazis rose to power because they failed to fully win over the people of Germany and Weimar Republic figures were not fully supportive of democracy, this meant that it was at a disadvantage from the outset. However, there is evidence of genuine support for democracy. In a short space of time the Weimar Republic faced two threats from both the right and left and survived them both. Historian Gordon Craig said that in a time of high revolutionary fever, the Weimar Republic and the citizens deserve credit for persevering to maintain democracy. In evaluation, the weaknesses of the Weimar Republic was important for Nazi rise to power because attacks from the left and right highlighted the lack of support for the Republic. The discontent from the right showed that there were many people who identified with ‘old Germany’ which shows that theyw ere unlikely to support democracy. Economic difficulties were more important because middle clas people found there savings wiped out which created deep seated resentment to the government which caused them to lose faith in the government and look towards a stronger goverment to solve their problems

WEAKNESSES AND MISTAKES OF OPPONENTS PT 1

2024-03-08 12:24:26 UTC

One factor that was a reason why the Nazis rose to power in 1933 was the weaknesses and mistakes of opponents. Between the years of 1930 and 1932 there was 3 different chancellors, an indicator that the democracy was not working. One chancellor, Heinrich Bruning was very important and cut back on the publics spending significantly. Franz Von Papen replaced Bruning and tried to work with the Nazis, even lifting the ban on the SA. Von Papen was also a main reason for Hitler gaining the chancellor position, persuading President Hindenburg, claiming Hitler presented “No danger at all”.