Why Was Germany Unified Under Prussia and Not Austria? Essay

2) Which nation joined the Triple Entente alliance in the early 1900s (and to complete the alliance?)

a. They attempted to invade and conquer twice (but failed both times). Because of their

to deal with the French and Russian forces , staunch allies, in order to avoid a war on

If the Allies delayed accepting the offer of President Wilson, and if, later on, the course of the war was so unfavourable to them that the intervention of the United States would not be effective, the United States would probably disinterest themselves in Europe and look to their own protection in their own way.

It was Germany's goal gain strategic position that enemy forces may gain to use against them, such as Austria. Bismarck was also contemplating another war to banish the French threat once and for all. Germany's interest played a key roll in pushing Austria-Hungary to disaster. The Emperor's League that was formed, which consisted of Germany, Austria, and Italy, did one major thing; it brought Austria and Germany closer together.

Leading into the Fall of 1914, tactics on both sides of the line involved the rapid mobilization, maneuver and envelopment of the opposing side.10 Pre-1914 doctrine took little into account the effects of emerging new technology and their impact on both defensive and offensive operations. This disconnect between doctrine and technology contributed to the failure of early offensive operations in the Fall of 1914 and resulted in staggering casualties.11 Both sides developed doctrine that took into effect the unique terrain and technology that had been developed prior and during World War I. However by the end of the war, a combination of flexibility, decentralized control, and counterattack at every echelon made the German defensive system the most effective.12 This “elastic defense” had three unique characteristics; dedicated counter-attack force at all levels, decentralized command and control, fluid defensive belts and integrated artillery support at the Division level. Under this new doctrine, Corps headquarters had the role sustaining subordinate units, but not directing their actions during battle.13 This defense-in-depth and the lessons learned during the Verdun battles of 1918 were so successful that British forces adopted many of the German tactics with a special emphasis on their counterattack capability.10 Utilizing the new doctrine, by August 1918, Germany had made substantial gains, however had

The war grew out of the rivalry of the increasing power of Prussia and the decreasing power of Austria. Finally, it was caused by the Schleswig-Holstein controversy. Prussia's backing came from the majority of North German states and Italy. While, the South German states, Nassau, Frankfort, and Hanover gave their assistance to Austria. Though, some Southern Germans would unite with Prussia, since it was the victor of German unity, and was in condition to make her championship successful.

Bismarck, to many historians, was known for his ability to manipulate the Prussian government, and alliances with other nations to achieve his goal to create the German Empire with the Prussian Kaiser as its leader. Through his idea of Realpolitik, to do whatever deemed necessary to reach a goal, Bismarck manipulated the different parts of the Prussian government and the Foreign policy to unite the German States under the leadership of Prussia’s Kaiser. The problem with Bismarck using Realpolitik is that he could have used illegal methods or methods that exceeded his authority as Prime Minister. Bismarck used methods that exceeded his given authority as Prime Minister, from 1862- 1871, to a small extent. The Kaiser had given Bismarck power that exceeded that normally given to a Prime Minister, but through the expansion of powers of Prime Minister before he entered office, many of Bismarck 's actions were found to be within his authority.

As an ally of Serbia, Russian announced and began full mobilization of their armed forces on July 31, while Germany allied to Austria-Hungry by treaty responded to this mobilization as an act of war but gave a twelve-hour ultimatum that was ignored leading to Germany formally declaring war on Russia On August 1. France who was also bound by a treaty or alliance with Russia found itself at war against Germany, by extension Austria-Hungary following a declaration of war by Germany on August 3. Britain who was allied with France by a seemingly more loosely worded treaty that had to do with a moral obligation or assurances to defend Frances coast. Britain declared war against Germany on August 4 using the violation of Belgium neutrality as an excuse to honor its de facto alliance with France. Germany Responded by declaring war on Belgium and it was not until August 6 that Austria finally got around to declaring war on

Germany's industrial emphasis can be seen as heightening in this period as a result of their unification; now they had the means of exploiting materials as well as manufacturing it. Part of the reason that during this period, Germany was not seen as an aggressor is due to its Chancellor, Bismarck, who was conscious of the importance of pursuing a peaceful foreign policy and abstained form excessive Imperialism. Berlin, in 1894-95, was the centre for the diplomatic partition of Africa, with Bismarck heading up the talks between the powers. Germany's approach to other countries, and its foreign policy underwent a dramatic change in 1890, when Bismarck was dismissed from office and Caprivi was instated to the position. In

On the other hand, there were many factors outwith Bismarck's control which were very important in the unification of Germany, for example, the Zollverein. The Zollverein was a voluntary customs union, which encouraged trade between the German states by removing customs duties. It drew the German states closer together and supplied economic unity. Twenty-five of the thirty-nine states were members of the Zollverein - Austria was not a member. As Prussia

Thesis: Although German clearly had the advantage and benefit of possessing the greatest tactical, technological, and operationally advanced

While the religious division of the Prussia Protestant and that of the dominating Austria Catholics was an important factor, the opposition from Austria and the rulers were more important. Nationalism became this progressively intensifying cycle that eventually climaxes into war. Many began to put aside the idealistic ideas of society and began to embrace the realities of society as competitive and combative. Under the calculated guidance of Otto von Bismarck, Germany would finally be on the promising path of unification.

Despite the fact that Italy was unified, it wasn’t as nearly as strong as Germany was becoming. Bismarck joined both authoritarianism and nationalism to increase Prussia’s power. He was a very clever diplomat and used whatever means possible to work towards his goal. Bismarck’s Realpolitiks, the pursuing of realistic goals by any available method instead of the pursuit of an ideology. Bismarck never wanted to have enemies for long and hoped to pacify the Liberals with foreign policy achievement, notably the unification of Germany. He wanted to exclude Austria from the unification process. This led to the Austria-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars. His plan was successful. Even with the fact south German states were reluctant to join in his unification because of strong religious and political traditions. After the overpowering of France in 1871 the southern states finally joined. This was the defeat the brought them together.

Germany became a unified country in 1871 under the leadership of Otto Von Bismarck. The separate states up until this time were independent, Prussia being the strongest and most influential, followed by Austria. There are several contributing factors to the unification of Germany, the most influential of which being the leadership of Otto Von Bismarck. The three wars that Prussia fought with Denmark, Austria and France also played significant roles in the unification of the German states. Another factor to consider is the increase in support of nationalism around Western Europe at the time, and the changes in German society. Through an evaluation of these factors and relevant sources one can