Nationalism
Early 1800s to World War I
Nationalism
A strong feeling of pride in and
devotion to one’s country
Can be compared to school spirit
Germany
Early 1800s- Germany was a
mixture of small and medium-sized
states (not a unified country).
Napoleon’s wars (1806 to 1812) caused German nationalism and a
hatred for the French.
Germans fought to free their lands from
French rule and called for a unified state
Otto von Bismarck
“The Iron Chancellor” –
Highest ranking official
of Prussia
Used policy of
“blood and iron” to
unite the German states
under Prussian rule
Bismarck
(continued)
Master of Realpolitik- realistic
policies based on the needs of the
state; power was more important
than principles
Unified GermanyBuilt up Prussian army
Annexed smaller, weaker German
states
“Started” the Franco-Prussian War
He knew German states would unify
against France
Franco-Prussian War
(1870)
 Started over a disagreement about an
heir to the Spanish throne
 Bismarck “edited” a telegram sent to
him by the Prussian king, William
“Ems Telegram”
He made it look like William had insulted
France
Napoleon III became furious and
declared war
 Prussia defeats France in 6 weeks
With the use of modern technology
(telegraphs, railroads, breech-loading
weapons)
Ems Telegram
http://www.firstworldwar.com/
source/emstelegram.htm
Franco-Prussian War
(continued)
 Humiliating defeat for the French
Very quick defeat
Forced to pay Prussia to leave
Lost 2 border provinces: Alsace and Lorraine
 Prussian victory leads to the crowning of
William I as “Kaiser” (emperor)
 1871- “Germany” becomes a unified
nation
Becomes known as the Second Reich, or
empire