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