German Unification

was one of the most influential elements that led to German unification; several diverse German writers and theorists started to give work towards uniting German identity that wasn't involved with French control under Napoleon

a student association that assisted in the inspiration of nationalistic satisfaction in the rising generation that started to take places of power all throughout the states; they were involved in diverse walkouts, protests, and marches that were supportive of German unification

a free trade union of German states; contributed to Germany unifying economic force

a war between Prussia and Austria because of the division of the Schleswig-Holstein; Austria was upset because they were left out of the unification; the war took attention off of Germany; resulted in Prussia winning

Napoleon III ruled France at the time with no military skills or intelligence coming from his uncle. After many thoughtful strategies, Bismarck was capable of causing Napoleon to announce war on Prussia. This action of France prevented European powers from joining their side. The war resulted in France losing and the Alsace-Lorraine was ceded from France to Germany.

a Prussian politician who was one of the most important people in the new German Empire; he helped bring France into the Franco-Prussian War which led to their defeat; he used German people's decades of passion to obtain their support against the French; Bismarck led this unification by controlling states' public scenery

this allowed any German men over the age of 25 to vote and members were chosen by universal, general, and secret suffrage; this was extremely progressive for the time period it occurred in