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Germany’s replacement of France as the dominant power in continental Europe
Germany’s replacement of France as the dominant power in continental Europe
In 1870, following the German victory in the Franco-Prussian war, the German Empire was proclaimed at Versailles on January 18, 1871. King William I became Emperor and Otto von Bismarck was elevated to the status of imperial chancellor. As the most powerful politician of a united Germany, Bismarck was able to make a lasting impact on European politics.
As the German imperial chancellor, Bismarck directed most of his energy towards foreign policy to maintain the unification of Germany. After defeating France, Bismarck made sure he would prevent a war of revenge by France by isolating France diplomatically. Moreover, he allied himself with other major countries such as Russia and Austria-Hungary. In 1873, he formed the Three Emperors' League with these other two nations. At times, these nations would disagree, but Bismarck did his best to keep the peace and, for the most part, he succeeded. Eventually Russia became hostile to Germany, and Bismarck's allies ran thin. He forged the Dual Alliance with Austria in 1879, and then the Triple Alliance when Italy joined in 1882.[5] Uniting with Italy proved to be extremely powerful in maintaining control over France. Bismarck knew that he would need Russia in order to keep dominance in Europe, so he revived the Three Emperors' League from 1881-87 through the Reinsurance Treaty. At this time, he was also able to gain British cooperation. Britain and France had been long-time enemies and this alliance proved to be most helpful in the fight for European control.
As the map below shows, the German Empire was vast in 1871. They now had a massive amount of land in which they could exploit to continue to urbanize their empire. They had more opportunities for coal mining, for iron making, and other products to promote industry that would help the German Empire prosper.
Germany wanted to become one of the major powers in the world. That is why since the 1850's, Germany continually tried to establish industry that would help them become a hegemonic power in the world. Germany's rivalry with France dates all the way back to the time of Charlemagne. That rivalry was just as strong in 1871. Germany recognized Italy's new independence and subsequently created the Triple Alliance with Italy and Austria-Hungary. This would alter the course of history for years to come. This alliance was mutual support from all three nations that if one of them was attacked by Russia or France, they would all then go in and attack those countries. A great website to look at isTriple Alliance.
Otto von Bismarck (April 1, 1815 – July 30, 1898)
Otto von Bismarck (April 1, 1815 – July 30, 1898)
Otto von Bismarckwas a Prussian statesman who set the stage for the creation of the German Empire in 1871 and served as its chancellor for 19 years. He was born into the Prussian upperclass elite and was, therefore, able to study law and was elected into the Prussian government in 1849. In 1851, he was appointed Prussian representative in Frankfurt. After being an ambassador to Russia and France, he became prime minister of Prussia. When he took office, Prussia was considered to be the weakest of the five European powers, but under Bismarck’s leadership Prussia won a war against Denmark in 1864 and then he won the Franco-Prussian War. Through these wars he was able to achieve his goal of political unification of a Prussian-dominated German Empire.[3] Once the German empire was established and unified, Bismarck became its chancellor. Nicknamed the "Iron Chancellor," he skillfully preserved the peace in Europe through alliances against France, his main competitor. The Franco-Prussian War established Germany as a main competitor in European affairs. France diminished as Paris was laid siege to and Napoleon III was captured by German forces, thereby ending French European domination. Domestically, he introduced administrative and economic reforms but sought to preserve the status quo, opposing the Social Democratic Party and the Catholic Church. When Bismarck left office in 1890, the map of Europe had been changed dramatically.[4]
Otto von Bismarckwas a Prussian statesman who set the stage for the creation of the German Empire in 1871 and served as its chancellor for 19 years. He was born into the Prussian upperclass elite and was, therefore, able to study law and was elected into the Prussian government in 1849. In 1851, he was appointed Prussian representative in Frankfurt. After being an ambassador to Russia and France, he became prime minister of Prussia. When he took office, Prussia was considered to be the weakest of the five European powers, but under Bismarck’s leadership Prussia won a war against Denmark in 1864 and then he won the Franco-Prussian War. Through these wars he was able to achieve his goal of political unification of a Prussian-dominated German Empire.[3] Once the German empire was established and unified, Bismarck became its chancellor. Nicknamed the "Iron Chancellor," he skillfully preserved the peace in Europe through alliances against France, his main competitor. The Franco-Prussian War established Germany as a main competitor in European affairs. France diminished as Paris was laid siege to and Napoleon III was captured by German forces, thereby ending French European domination. Domestically, he introduced administrative and economic reforms but sought to preserve the status quo, opposing the Social Democratic Party and the Catholic Church. When Bismarck left office in 1890, the map of Europe had been changed dramatically.[4]
Bismarck successfully established the Triple Alliance, which has already been briefly mentioned. The Triple Alliance would create a tense atmosphere in Europe for decades. Yet at the same time, it did not cause a war during Bismarck's time in office. There was peace in Europe. It was not until World War I in which these alliances would come into effect.
Bismarck is a prominent figure in German history. He was their first true leader. He was able to successfully preserved peace for his empire by making sure he made strong alliances with other nations. One of his more popular quotes was,
"All treaties between great states cease to be binding when they come in conflict with the struggle for existence."
This is a very important quote because it talks about why he made this alliance with two other nations. It was to protect Germany's welfare and existence while at the same time establishing their own power in Europe.
<<--- The German Flag following German Unification. Germany used it from 1871-1918.
Works Cited:
[1] Chastin, J (1998). Retrieved March 1, 2007, from Cavour, Count Camillo Benso di (1810-1861) Web site: http://www.ohiou.edu/~Chastain/ac/cavour.htm
[2] (2007). Camillo Benso di Cavour. Retrieved March 1, 2007, from NNDB Tracking the Entire World Web site: http://www.nndb.com/people/514/000092238/
[3] Hoffman, J.H. (1998). Retrieved March 1, 2007, from Bismarck, Otto Von Web site: http://www.ohiou.edu/~chastain/ac/bism.htm
[4] Hayes , J (2000). Retrieved March 12, 2007, from Otto von Bismarck and German Unification Web site: http://www.age-of-the-sage.org/history/german_unification.html
[5] (1998). Otto von Bismarck. Retrieved March 12, 2007, from The Battleship Bismarck Web site: http://www.kbismarck.com/ottovbis.html
More resources:
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/detoc.html
link to a Library of Congress Country Study on Germany; including info on Bismarck and unification
[6] http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Atlas_of_Germany
includes maps of the German Confederation, and Germany pre- and post-unification.
Overall: http://resourcesforhistoryteachers.wikispaces.com/WHII.10
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