Describe the process of unification of Germany
Back in the 18th century, Germany comprised of several states. Prussia was the most powerful state and it was dominated by big landlords known as Junkers. Nationalist feelings were high among the middle class German people and they were keen to unite the different regions of the German federation into a nation-state governed by an elected Parliament.
In May 1848, a large number of political associations came together to vote for an all-German National Assembly. Their representatives met at Frankfurt and the Frankfurt Assembly proposed the unification of Germany as a constitutional monarchy under the King of Prussia as emperor. The King of Prussia however rejected the proposal and the liberal initiative of nation building was repressed by the combined forces of the monarchy, the military and the ‘Junkers’.
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From there on, Prussia under its Chief Minister Otto von In Bismarck led the movement for unification of Germany. Bismarck carried out this process with the help of the Prussian army and the bureaucracy. He fought three wars over seven years with Denmark, Austria and France. Prussia was victorious in all these wars and the process of unification was completed as a result of Prussia’s victory over France.
Finally, on 18th January 1871, an assembly comprising of princes of the various German States, representatives of the army, important Prussian ministers and Bismarck gathered in the Palace of Versailles and proclaimed the Prussian King, Kaiser William, the new German Emperor.
Question and Answers
Q. The goal of the Frankfurt Assembly in 1848 was to:
- a. Trying to unify the various regions of the German federation as a nation-state under an elected parliament
- b. Draft the war plans to conquer France
- c. Establish the capital of Prussia
- d. Establish and alliance with Italy
Answer: A
Q. This nation took the lead in the unification of Germany
- a. Austria
- b. Bavaria
- c. Prussia
- d. Holstein
Answer: C
Q. Who was proclaimed German Emperor after its unification?
- a. Prussian King William I
- b. The Russian King William I
- c. The chief minister, otto van Bismarck
- d. Lenin
Answer: A
Q. Who was responsible for the unification of Germany?
- a. Bismarck
- b. Garibaldi
- c. Cavour
- d. Mazzini
Answer: A
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