Essential+Questions

1) What events promoted German unity during the early 1800’s?
== The wars in 1864 and 1866 against Denmark and Austria helped lead to German unity by adding German land into the hands of Prussia. Also, the war in 1870 against France. This was a big role because after the victory of this war, everyone came together even more than ever. ==

2) Explain the differences between a conservative and a liberal during this time period.
== During this time period, a conservative was less structured than a liberal. Conservative had fewer rights, and had an anti – constitution. It was more traditional and wanted no change. Also, conservative was for Metternich and the Congress of Vienna. Liberal however, was for greater rights and a constitution. Liberal also wanted change and was against Metternich and the Congress of Vienna. ==

3) What was the Congress of Vienna? What is the balance of power? How does this affect the German states?
== The congress of Vienna was an international conference. It was held in Vienna, Austria between the years of 1814 and 1815 This conference was held to settle the issues of the Napoleonotic wars, and many others. The congress held this conference to bring back the balance of power. In this, the balance of power was the peace brought back to the German states. This affected the German states greatly. The peace being brought back allowed the room for the German unity. ==

4) How does economic unity help bring about political unity?
== Durring the 1830's Zollverein, and economic unity created by prussia was established. This unity took taxes of of imported goods. Even with this, Germany was still on different sides. This brought about political unity. Since Germany was on two different political sides (liberal and conservative) it was hard to be completely united. Political unity was brought up because of the "different" ruler. Meaning he was not liberal like most, he was conservative. He was Otto Von Bismarck. This led to agreements within Germany. Germany was now more untied. ==

5) Realpolitik and examples of how Bismarck used it to his advantage.
== Realpolitik is the word for realistic politics based on the needs of the state. Bismark used the needs of the state to trick Prussia into many wars. First in 1864, Bismark created an alliance with Austria. After his plan worked to defeat Denmark with Austria, Bismark found and excuse to go against Austria in 1866. This led to a 7 week war, and a glorious defeat over Austria. Next in 1870, Bismark used his realpolitik skills to trick France into thinking that William I insulted Frenchman. This lead to war declared by France. ==

6) What does the famous “blood and iron” speech represent, and how does this further impact the unification movement?
== The "blood and iron" speech represents war. Otto Von Bismarck is saying that things can not be solved by speeches, or automatic resolution, it can only be solved by war. This speech further impacts the unification movement because by going to war, it made the unification grow. After each war, there was a greater unification process. Also, after the last war (against France) that Bismarck went through, the full unification process was completed. ==

7) How does warfare play a role in the unification process?
== German unity was brought up mainly due to warfare. After the 3 wars that Bismarck led Germany to, a greater unification was brought about. Having the alliance with Austria and defeating Denmark, brought together the German stated when Prussia took them over. When Bismarck went against Austria and defeated them, the unification grew greater. Finally, the war with France closed the unification process after a great defeat. ==

8) How was the new German government structured, and who held the real power in the new, unified state?
== The new German government had an emperor who was William I. The government was a 2 house legislature. There was an upper house which went by Bundesrat, and a lower house which went by Reichstag. The upper house was selected by rulers of the German states. The lower house was elected by male suffrage. The upper house was able to veto any decisions of the lower house. Since this was possible, all the real power was held by the emperor and his chancellor. ==

9) What economic and industrial advancements does Germany make well after the unification process?
== After the unification process, Germany made much economical and industrial advancement. Germany became known as the industrial giant of the European continent. Germany had a great amount of ample iron and coal resources which was key to industrial development. More industrial workers were available so it lead to more marketing. Also, the progress made early on in the 1860’s lead to greater steel and weapon in the house of Krupp. Another factory which produced steel went from having 70 workers to having 50,000 workers. The great growth in factories and home marketing allowed for a greater economy. ==

10) How does nationalism unify the people of the German states?
==== Nationalism is a big group of people who share the same way of life. This unified the people of the German states because they came to see eye to eye. The German states began to think the same and come together. This was nationalism which unified the States.====