What are the causes, course, and consequences of the unification
of Italy and Germany?
Source: http://resourcesforhistoryteachers.wikispaces.com/WHII.10
Germany’s replacement of France as the dominant power in continental Europe
In 1870, following the German victory in the Franco-Prussian war, the German Empire was
proclaimed at Versailles on January 18, 1871. King William I became Emperor and Otto von
Bismarck was elevated to the status of imperial chancellor. As the sole ruler of a united
Germany, Bismarck was able to make a lasting impact on European politics.
As the German imperial chancellor, Bismarck directed most of his energy towards foreign
policy to maintain the unification of Germany. After defeating France, Bismarck made sure
he would prevent a war of revenge by France by isolating France diplomatically. Moreover,
he allied himself with other major countries such as Russia and Austria-Hungary. In 1873, he
formed the Three Emperors' League with these other two nations. At times, these nations
would disagree, but Bismarck did his best to keep the peace and, for the most part, he
succeeded. Eventually Russia became hostile to Germany, and Bismarck's allies ran thin. He
forged the Dual Alliance with Austria in 1879, and then the Triple Alliance when Italy joined
in 1882. Uniting with Italy proved to be extremely powerful in maintaining control over
France. Bismarck knew that he would need Russia in order to keep dominance in Europe, so
he revived the Three Emperors' League from 1881-87 through the Reinsurance Treaty. At
this time, he was also able to gain British cooperation. Britain and France had been longtime enemies and this alliance proved to be most helpful in the fight for European control.
After defeating Prussia, Germany captured all of their land. They now had a massive amount
of land in which they could exploit to continue to urbanize their empire. They had more
opportunities for coal mining, for iron making, and other products to promote industry that
would help the German Empire prosper.
Germany wanted to become one of the major powers in the world. That is why since the
1850's, Germany continually tried to establish industry that would help them become a
hegemonic power in the world. Germany's rivalry with France dates all the way back to the
time of Charlemagne. That rivalry was just as strong in 1871. Germany recognized Italy's
new independence and subsequently created the Triple Alliance with Italy and AustriaHungary. This would alter the course of history for years to come. This alliance was mutual
support from all three nations that if one of them was attacked by Russia or France, they
would all then go in and attack those countries. A great website to look at is Triple Alliance.
The role of Cavour and Bismarck in the unification of Italy and
Germany
Camillo Benso, conte di Cavour (August 10, 1810 – June 6, 1861)
Cavour was a prominent figure in the movement toward Italian unification. He became the
first Prime Minister of the new Kingdom of Italy. From a noble Piedmontese family, he
entered the army early but came under suspicion for his liberal ideas and was forced to
resign in 1831. Then he devoted himself to travel, agricultural experimentation, and the
study of politics. Cavour was a firm supporter of the notion valuing governmental separation
between church and state. Cavour was also a large supporter of industrialization and the
steam engine, which he would help to finance for the good of Italy. He was generally liberal
and believed in free trade, making him a great candidate for Prime Minister of a unified
Italy. By 1860, at the peak of his career, insomnia and malaria began to take their toll and
Cavour died soon after.
Otto von Bismarck (April 1, 1815 – July 30, 1898)
Otto von Bismarck was a Prussian statesman who established the German Empire in 1871
and served as its chancellor for 19 years. He was born into the Prussian upperclass elite and
was, therefore, able to study law and was elected into the Prussian government in 1849. In
1851, he was appointed Prussian representative in Frankfurt. After being an ambassador to
Russia and France, he became prime minister of Prussia. When he took office, Prussia was
considered to be the weakest of the five European powers, but under Bismarck’s leadership
Prussia won a war against Denmark in 1864 and then he won the Franco-Prussian War.
Through these wars he was able to achieve his goal of political unification of a Prussiandominated German Empire. Once the German empire was established and unified, Bismarck
became its chancellor. Nicknamed the "Iron Chancellor," he skillfully preserved the peace in
Europe through alliances against France, his main competitor. The Franco-Prussian War
established Germany as a main competitor in European affairs. France was thrust from the
spotlight as Paris was seized and Napoleon III was captured by German forces, thereby
ending French European domination. Domestically, he introduced administrative and
economic reforms but sought to preserve the status quo, opposing the Social Democratic
Party and the Catholic Church. When Bismarck left office in 1890, the map of Europe had
been changed dramatically.
Otto successfully established the Triple Alliance, which has already been briefly mentioned.
The Triple Alliance would create a tense atmosphere in Europe for decades. Yet at the same
time, it did not cause a war during Otto's time in office. There was peace in Europe. It was
not until World War I in which these alliances would come into effect.
Bismarck is a prominent figure in German history. He
was their first true leader. He was able to successfully
preserved peace for his empire by making sure he
made strong alliances with other nations. One of his
more popular quotes was;
"All treaties between great states cease to be binding
when they come in conflict with the struggle for
existence."
This is a very important quote because it talks about why he made this alliance with two
other nations. It was to protect Germany's welfare and existence while at the same time
establishing their own power in Europe.