The German Wars of Unification - Bismarck's Rise I GLORY & DEFEAT

Real Time History
19 Jul 202112:50
EducationalLearning
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TLDRIn 1862, King Wilhelm I of Prussia faced opposition from his Parliament over army reforms. He appointed Otto von Bismarck, who, through strategic diplomacy and the rallying cry of 'iron and blood,' pushed for a united Germany. Bismarck's policies led to the Second Schleswig War against Denmark, and later, the Austro-Prussian War, which resulted in Prussia's dominance over the German states and the formation of the North German Confederation, laying the groundwork for the Franco-Prussian War.

Takeaways
  • 👑 In 1862, Prussian King Wilhelm I faced opposition from his Parliament over army reform financing.
  • 🔧 Otto von Bismarck was appointed as Prussian Prime Minister with a mission to enforce the king's will, famously stating his intentions with the phrase 'iron and blood'.
  • 📜 Bismarck exploited a constitutional loophole to implement army reforms without parliamentary approval, causing further tension with the parliament.
  • 🤼‍♂️ Prussia and Austria, as members of the Deutscher Bund, competed for influence among the German states.
  • 🏰 The Second Schleswig War (1864) saw Prussia and Austria jointly defeat Denmark over the disputed territories of Schleswig and Holstein.
  • 🥊 The Austro-Prussian War (1866) erupted due to disagreements on how to govern the newly acquired duchies, leading to Prussia's decisive victory at Königgrätz.
  • 🔥 Prussia's victory over Austria solidified its dominance in German lands and led to the dissolution of the old German Confederation.
  • 💪 Prussia's superior tactics, General Staff, and armaments industry, particularly the needle guns, contributed to its military successes.
  • 🏛️ The North German Confederation was established in 1867, with Prussia at its helm, and universal conscription was implemented.
  • 🌍 King Wilhelm I commanded the largest army in Europe, setting the stage for future conflicts, including the Franco-Prussian War.
  • 📺 The documentary series 'Glory and Defeat' explores these historical events in detail, with support from viewers via realtimehistory.net/gloryanddefeat.
Q & A

  • What was the main issue King Wilhelm I of Prussia faced in 1862?

    -King Wilhelm I of Prussia faced the issue of his Parliament in Berlin refusing to finance his army reform in 1862.

  • Who did King Wilhelm I appoint to resolve the deadlock with the Parliament over the army reform?

    -King Wilhelm I appointed Otto von Bismarck as Prussian Prime Minister in 1862 to resolve the deadlock with the Parliament over the army reform.

  • What was Bismarck's famous statement about the unification of Germany?

    -Bismarck's famous statement about the unification of Germany was that it would not be achieved by speeches and majority decisions, but by 'iron and blood' (durch Eisen und Blut).

  • How did Bismarck manage to continue with the army reform without parliamentary approval?

    -Bismarck used a supposed loophole in the constitution to rule without an approved budget and went ahead with the army reform.

  • What were the two main German states competing for influence over the other members of the Deutscher Bund?

    -Prussia and Habsburg Austria were the two main German states competing for influence over the other members of the Deutscher Bund.

  • What was the cause of the Denmark War 1864?

    -The Denmark War 1864 was caused by a conflict between Denmark and the German Confederation over the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein.

  • What was the outcome of the Battle of Dybbol during the Second Schleswig War?

    -The Battle of Dybbol resulted in a victory for the German Confederation, with a decisive battle that was short but fierce, leading to the end of the war in June 1864.

  • What disagreement arose between Austria and Prussia after the war against Denmark?

    -The disagreement between Austria and Prussia after the war against Denmark was about how to govern the newly acquired duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, with Austria wanting them to remain independent and Prussia wanting to annex them.

  • What secret deal did Prussia make with Italy before the Austro-Prussian War?

    -Prussia made a secret deal with Italy in which Italy would join Prussia's coming attack on Austria, distracting the Austrians in the south, and in return, Italy would receive Austrian Veneto and the Papal States once Austria was defeated.

  • What was the decisive battle that led to Prussia's victory over Austria in the Austro-Prussian War?

    -The decisive battle that led to Prussia's victory over Austria in the Austro-Prussian War was the Battle of Königgrätz, where well-trained Prussian columns dealt the Austrians a devastating defeat.

  • What was the significant impact of the wars of the 1860s on the German states?

    -The wars of the 1860s allowed Prussia to replace Austria as the dominant power in German lands, leading to the formation of the North German Confederation and the implementation of universal conscription.

Outlines
00:00
🏰 Prussian Power Struggle and Bismarck's Rise

This paragraph introduces the historical context of Prussia in the 1860s, focusing on King Wilhelm I's struggle with the Parliament over army reform. It highlights the appointment of Otto von Bismarck as Prussian Prime Minister in 1862, his mission to enforce the king's will, and his famous 'iron and blood' speech in parliament. The paragraph also discusses the Prussian political structure, the authoritarian rule of King Wilhelm and Bismarck, and Prussia's rivalry with Austria within the Deutscher Bund. It sets the stage for the conflicts that would lead to the Franco-Prussian War.

05:02
🥊 The Schleswig-Holstein and Denmark War

This section delves into the conflict between Denmark and the German Confederation over the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. It describes the background of the First Schleswig War and the tensions that led to the Second Schleswig War in 1864. The paragraph details the military actions taken by the German Confederation, including the decisive Battle of Dybbol, and the ultimate victory over Denmark. It also touches on the complex political situation following the war, with Prussia and Austria gaining control of the disputed territories and the British statesman Lord Palmerston's humorous commentary on the matter.

10:09
🤺 The Austro-Prussian War and Prussian Dominance

This paragraph narrates the escalation of tensions between Prussia and Austria after the Schleswig-Holstein conflict, leading to the Austro-Prussian War. It explains the disagreements over the governance of the new duchies, the secret deal between Prussia and Italy, and Bismarck's provocations that led to war. The paragraph highlights the Battle of Königgrätz, the Prussian victory, and the aftermath of the war, including the dissolution of the old German Confederation and the formation of the North German Confederation under Prussian dominance. It also discusses the military and industrial advantages that contributed to Prussia's success and the implications for the balance of power in Europe.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡King Wilhelm I
King Wilhelm I was the ruler of Prussia during the 1860s, a traditionalist who prioritized hierarchy and order. He is significant in this video as he faced a political impasse with his Parliament over army reforms, leading to the appointment of Otto von Bismarck. His desire for a strong, modernized military and his eventual command over the largest army in Europe after the wars of the 1860s is central to the theme of Prussian rise to power.
💡Otto von Bismarck
Otto von Bismarck, appointed as Prussian Prime Minister in 1862, played a pivotal role in the unification of Germany and the strengthening of Prussia. Known for his policy of 'blood and iron', Bismarck skillfully navigated political and military strategies to enforce the king's will and expand Prussian influence, ultimately leading to the Franco-Prussian War and the formation of the German Empire.
💡Army Reform
The Army Reform refers to King Wilhelm I's plan to strengthen and modernize the Prussian army during peacetime. This reform was a contentious issue that led to a standoff with the Prussian Parliament, as they refused to finance it. The reform is significant as it represents the king's and Bismarck's efforts to consolidate power and military might, which was a key factor in Prussia's rise as a dominant force in Europe.
💡Franco-Prussian War
The Franco-Prussian War was a conflict between the Kingdom of Prussia and the Second French Empire from 1870 to 1871. This war is central to the video's narrative as it marks the culmination of Prussia's rise to power and the establishment of the German Empire. The war resulted in a decisive Prussian victory, leading to the annexation of the Alsace-Lorraine region and the eventual formation of a united German nation under Prussian leadership.
💡Deutscher Bund
The Deutscher Bund, or German Confederation, was a loose political union of the German states that existed from 1815 to 1866. It is relevant in the video as it sets the stage for the power dynamics between Prussia and Austria, as well as the conflicts that led to the eventual dominance of Prussia in the German states. The Confederation's inability to effectively govern or resolve disputes among its members contributed to the tensions that led to the Austro-Prussian War.
💡Austro-Prussian Rivalry
The Austro-Prussian Rivalry refers to the competition for influence and dominance among the German states between Austria and Prussia. This rivalry is a key theme in the video, as it underpins the series of conflicts, including the Danish War and the Austro-Prussian War, which ultimately led to Prussia's rise as the leading power in the German-speaking world.
💡Danish War
The Danish War, also known as the Second Schleswig War, was a conflict between the German Confederation and Denmark over the territories of Schleswig and Holstein. The war is significant in the video as it marks an early instance of joint military action by Prussia and Austria, which would later become rivals. The victory in this war helped to establish Prussia's military prowess and its growing influence in the region.
💡Königgrätz
The Battle of Königgrätz, also known as the Battle of Sadowa, was a decisive conflict in the Austro-Prussian War. It is a key event in the video as it symbolizes Prussia's overwhelming military victory over Austria, effectively ending Austria's dominance in the German Confederation and paving the way for Prussian hegemony in Germany. The battle showcased Prussia's superior military tactics and armaments, which were critical to its success.
💡North German Confederation
The North German Confederation was a federal state formed by Prussia in 1867, which included all German states north of the Main river. This formation is significant in the video as it represents the consolidation of Prussian power and the exclusion of Austria from the German political landscape, setting the stage for the eventual unification of Germany under Prussian leadership.
💡Universal Conscription
Universal Conscription refers to the mandatory military service imposed by Prussia after its victory in the Austro-Prussian War. This policy is important in the video as it demonstrates Prussia's commitment to maintaining a strong military force, which was a cornerstone of its power and influence in Europe. The policy ensured that Prussia had the largest army in Europe, ready for future conflicts.
💡Real Time History
Real Time History is the platform that hosts the documentary series 'Glory and Defeat,' which narrates the story of the Franco-Prussian War. It is significant in the video as it represents the medium through which the historical events are being presented and explored. The platform allows for a weekly, in-depth examination of the war and its impact on European history.
Highlights

King Wilhelm I of Prussia faced opposition from his own Parliament regarding army reform financing in 1862.

Wilhelm I appointed Otto von Bismarck as Prussian Prime Minister to enforce the king's will and resolve the parliamentary deadlock.

Bismarck's famous 'iron and blood' speech in parliament signaled his plans for a united German future.

Bismarck exploited a loophole in the constitution to implement the army reform without an approved budget, drawing criticism for his militaristic stance.

The Prussian monarchy survived the 1848 revolution and ruled under an imposed constitution, with the king appointing ministers who answered only to him.

The Prussian Herrenhaus was conservative and unelected, while the elected Abgeordnetenhaus had the power to block the state budget.

The Austro-Prussian rivalry was a significant factor in the politics of the German Confederation, with both powers vying for influence.

The Denmark War of 1864 was fought over the disputed duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, with Prussia and Austria forming an alliance against Denmark.

The decisive Battle of Dybbol in the Second Schleswig War showcased the ferocity of the conflict and the determination of the soldiers.

The German Confederation emerged victorious against Denmark, with Prussia and Austria gaining control of the disputed territories.

The complex situation of the Schleswig-Holstein conflict was humorously summarized by British statesman Lord Palmerston.

After the Denmark War, tensions rose between Austria and Prussia over the governance of the newly acquired duchies.

Prussia and Italy formed a secret alliance to attack Austria, with Italy being promised Austrian Veneto and the Papal States in return.

Bismarck provoked Austria into war by accusing them of re-arming and submitting a proposal to exclude Austria from the German Confederation.

The Prussian victory at the Battle of Königgrätz in 1866 was a result of superior tactics, General Staff, and armaments industry.

King Wilhelm I wanted to march on Vienna after the victory, but Bismarck insisted on a mild peace to avoid further conflict.

The peace treaty signed in 1866 dissolved the old German Confederation and allowed Prussia to dominate the German-speaking states outside Austria.

Prussia formed the North German Confederation in 1867, which included all German states north of the Main river and implemented universal conscription.

King Wilhelm I commanded the largest army in Europe after the wars of the 1860s, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Transcripts

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PrussianHistoryBismarckReformsFrancoPrussianWarGermanUnificationWilhelmIAustroPrussianRivalryDanishWarSecondSchleswigWarKöniggrätzNorthGermanConfederation