UPSC History Preparation: Unification of Germany

The Unification of Germany is crucial in World History as it brought about major changes in the history of the European continent which was considered the centre of the world back then. Initially, Germany was made up of 300 individual principalities and city-states which functioned in an independent manner. It was in the 17^th century that the major powers of Austria and Prussia in Germany began to expand and acquire more territories. The Holy Roman Empire which ruled the German lands was defeated by Napolean. Later, the German Confederation was created after the defeat of Napolean in 1815 and it was dominated by Prussia and Austria. 

 

The creation of the German Confederation was a response to the growing sense of nationalism in Germany. It was France’s conquest which intensified German nationalism in the 19^th century. The Chancellor of Prussia, Otto Von Bismarck played an imperative role in the Unification process of Germany. His intention was to unite all the German states under Prussia with the assistance of foreign allies and thus focused on developing a strong military. Another important determinant concerning the Unification of Germany was the Seven Weeks War where Prussia defeated Austria owing its military superiority and diplomacy. For more key points on the Unification of Germany, watch the video below.

In the video titled “Relive the past: World History 6.1 Unification of Germany IAS Preparation”, Dr. Roman Saini gives a detailed analysis of one of most important events in World History: The Unification of Germany. Dr. Roman deals the following topics:  Background situation of Europe, newly industrialised nations and International Relations, exploitation by neighbouring nations, german states were on lines polity, but united on concept of German race and language. Role of Napolean in German unification, role of personalities, 4 phases of German unification 1. German diet, 2. Zollverine, 3. 2nd Frankfurt Parliament, 4. Bismarck.

   

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