The Three Wars of German Unification
|
Otto von Bismarck, Prussian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, followed his goal of German unification strictly. If necessary he would enforce his goal even with “Blood and Iron” (Ger. “Eisen und Blut”). This revolution “from above” led to the three wars of Unification. First Prussia and Austria had initially declared war on Denmark in 1864 together (German-Danish War). In 1866 Prussia declared war on Austria causing the so called German War. After the defeat of Austria, Prussia became the sole leading power in Germany and the North German Confederation was founded. The third Unification War was the German-French War in 1870. After Germans victory the southern German states joined the North German Confederation. Finally in 1871 the German Empire was founded and Bismarck became the Imperial Chancellor. |
|