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CLASS 8 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

German unification and the German Empire – basic principles

How it works

German unification refers to the process that led, in the 19. century, to the unification of many separate German states into a nation-state. Important stages were the failed Revolution of 1848/49, the role of Prussia, the wars of unification (the Danish-German War 1864, the Austro-Prussian War 1866, the Franco-Prussian War 1870/71) and the founding of the German Empire 1871 in Versailles. Otto von Bismarck played a central role as Prussian Minister President and later as Reich Chancellor. The Empire was a federal state with the Prussian king as emperor. The Imperial Constitution regulated the balance of power between emperor, Reichstag and Bundesrat.

Note
German unification in the 19. century took place in several steps, with Prussia and Bismarck playing a leading role; the founding of the Empire 1871 led to the creation of a German nation-state under Prussian leadership.

An example

Which war led directly to the founding of the German Empire 1871?

The Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71 led directly to the founding of the German Empire, because after the victory over France the German princes proclaimed Wilhelm I emperor.

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Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: History. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.