Upload
sabina-iris-foster
View
222
Download
4
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
NationalismEarly 1800s to World War I
NationalismA strong feeling of pride in and
devotion to one’s countryCan be compared to school spirit
GermanyEarly 1800s- Germany was a mixture
of small and medium-sized states (not a unified country).
Napoleon’s wars (1806 to 1812) -caused German nationalism and a hatred for the French.
Germans fought to free their lands from French rule and called for a unified state
Otto von Bismarck“The Iron Chancellor” –
Highest ranking official
of PrussiaUsed policy of
“blood and iron” to
unite the German states
under Prussian rule
Bismarck (continued)
Master of Realpolitik- realistic policies based on the needs of the state; power was more important than principles
Unified Germany-Built up Prussian armyAnnexed smaller, weaker German
states“Started” the Franco-Prussian War
He knew German states would unify against France
Franco-Prussian War (1870)Started over a disagreement about an heir
to the Spanish throneBismarck “edited” a telegram sent to him
by the Prussian king, William“Ems Telegram”
He made it look like William had insulted France
Napoleon III became furious and declared war
Prussia defeats France in 6 weeks With the use of modern technology
(telegraphs, railroads, breech-loading weapons)
Ems Telegram
http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/emstelegram.htm
Franco-Prussian War (continued)
Humiliating defeat for the FrenchVery quick defeat
Forced to pay Prussia to leave
Lost 2 border provinces: Alsace and Lorraine
Prussian victory leads to the crowning of William I as “Kaiser” (emperor)
1871- “Germany” becomes a unified nationBecomes known as the Second Reich, or
empire