Keynotes about Unification of Germany

To describe the process of unification of Germany, we must have a quick glimpse at the history of the state. 

After the signing of the treaty of Verdun, small kingdoms joined together to form what was known as Germany. The treaty was signed in 843 BCE. These small kingdoms helped in rooting the foundation of the infamous Roman Empire. However, the identity of the Germans came up only during the 19th century. This was because most people of the combined small kingdoms identified themselves with their respective princes. They did not identify themselves with the Roman Empire or the German Emperor. 

Only with the industrial revolution, did the conditions of these kingdoms become better. The regions got connected, through better communication and transportation lines. 

However., the condition and situation changed with the fall of the Roman Empire by the state of France during 1806. Following this defeat, the federation of Germany was established again in 1815. During these times, the feeling of nationalism sweeps the nation. This gave the demand for a more centralised power throughout the mid-nineteenth century. 

Prussian Rise

The Confederation of the states of Germany was established under the Austrian Empire. To maintain the autonomy of Austria, they suppressed all the nationalistic aggression of the Germans and tried plotting one state against the other one. It ensured the equality of power and made sure that the autonomy of one state does not get over the power of another state. 

The easternmost state, named Prussia tried to raise the Unification of Germany. However, their attempt at the unification of Germany was foiled by the Austrian Empire. As Otto Von Bismarck came to power, the situations and conditions began to make a turn. He had the dream of converting Prussia into the most powerful state and making a move to take revenge for the humiliation that was faced by them, in the hands of the Austrian powers. Hence, he brought about huge reforms in the army of Prussia. Through these reforms, the Prussian army turned out to be more professional and disciplined. It became one of the most powerful armies of that proportion of the world. Therefore, the Seven Week War of 1866 helped Prussia by giving them the authority to lay down the foundation stones of their empire. Bismarck was satisfied with this, he knew that the unification of Germany was possible only when the old enemy was defeated. This old enemy was the state of France. And, there came the Franco-Prussian war, which took place during 1870 and 1871. To understand and describe the process of unification of Germany, we must look at the Franco-Prussian War. 

The tale of 1870 and 1871

Bismarck was not satisfied with his victory in the seven-week war, he knew that the unification of Germany was possible only when France was defeated. 

During those times, France was under the rule of Napoleon III. He lacked the military and political skills, compared to Napoleon Bonaparte. Bismarck managed to provoke Napoleon III. Hence, France reacted aggressively which resulted in the increasing of the sentiments of Anti-French among the citizens of German States. 

Otto Von Bismarck, then, marched towards the border surrounding the French, along with the armies of several German States. Fearing defeat, Napoleon III resigned from the post of Emperor to the Parliament of France and decided to stay in England. However, the war continued. The war would come to an end only after the defeat of Paris to the Army of Prussia. Bismarck attempted to gather all the German Princes and kings and announced that the emperor of the German Empire was King William I. It happened on 18th January. Along with this, Germany adopted the German federation constitution. 

Unified Germany

The unification of Germany is one of the most crucial moments in the history of Europe. With the adoption of the German Federation, the European states had mixed feelings. The unification of Germany changed the power balance in the European political scene. This unification of Germany can be highlighted as an example of the principle of nationalistic feelings among people. 

Conclusion

After the signing of the treaty of Verdun, small kingdoms joined together to form what was known as Germany. The treaty was signed in 843 BCE. These small kingdoms helped in rooting the foundation of the infamous Roman Empire. The condition and situation changed with the fall of the Roman Empire by the state of France in 1806. To maintain the autonomy of Austria, they suppressed all the nationalistic aggressions. Prussia tried to raise the Unification of Germany. However, their attempt at the unification of Germany was foiled by the Austrian Empire. As Otto Von Bismarck came to power, the situations and conditions began to make a turn. He knew that the unification of Germany was possible only when France was defeated. Therefore, after the Franco-Prussian war, the process of unification of Germany came into practice.