The Third and Last War of German Unification - The German-French War
Who?
When?
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The German-French War started on July 19, 1870 and ended on January 28, 1871.
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Why?
Germany was not yet united. Bismarck wanted the southern states to join together. The conflict between Prussia and France over
the Spanish Throne candidate, Leopold von Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, was the perfect opportunity for Bismarck to make the southern states join the North German Confederation. Prussia had a long history with the candidate's family and France feared that influence over Spain could become a threat to France. The dispute was cleared when Prussia convinced Prince Leopold to refuse the candidacy. Napoleon III was not satisfied with that. He wanted to get back at Bismarck, who was indirectly at fault for Napoleon's domestic problems. He sent an ambassador to meet King Wilhelm I. The ambassador needed to convince the king to prohibit the Hohenzollern family to accept the Spanish crown. Naturally, King Wilhelm I. declined and the Prussian Prime Minister, Otto von Bismarck, published the a slightly changed Ems Dispatch (the recording of the meeting). It was like a slap in the face for France. The French Emperor, Napoleon III, then declared war on Prussia on 19 July 1870, to regain his dignity and secure his throne. |
What?
In order to meet the so-called offensive and defensive alliance with the
North German Confederation, the south German states, Bavaria,
Württemberg, Baden and Hesse-Darmstadt, supported Prussia in the war.
France, however, was isolated because it had remained neutral though
out that time period.
France was already no match for the Prussia's superior military. Now with the south German states having joined Prussia, France was clearly inferior.
On September 1, 1870, France suffered a crushing defeat at Sedan after previous defeats in Wissembourg, Wörth, Vionville and Gravelotte. Sedan surrendered on September 2nd, the same day the French Emperor, Napoleon III, was taken captive.
Paris refused to accept defeat and surrender. Therefore, Paris was besieged and bombarded until they surrendered on January 28th.
Previously on Janurary 18, 1871, King Wilhelm I was proclaimed to be the German Kaiser in the famous Hall of Mirrors in Versailles.
France was already no match for the Prussia's superior military. Now with the south German states having joined Prussia, France was clearly inferior.
On September 1, 1870, France suffered a crushing defeat at Sedan after previous defeats in Wissembourg, Wörth, Vionville and Gravelotte. Sedan surrendered on September 2nd, the same day the French Emperor, Napoleon III, was taken captive.
Paris refused to accept defeat and surrender. Therefore, Paris was besieged and bombarded until they surrendered on January 28th.
Previously on Janurary 18, 1871, King Wilhelm I was proclaimed to be the German Kaiser in the famous Hall of Mirrors in Versailles.
Concequences?
After long negotiations in Brussels and Frankfurt am Main, the Treaty of
Frankfurt was finally closed on 10 May 1871. For their spoils of war, Prussia
assimilated Alsace and Lorraine, adding them to the German Empire and
demanded contribution for the war in the amount of 5 billion francs.