20-06-2013, 12:24 PM
Otto von Bismarck 1815-1894
Otto von.ppt (Size: 525 KB / Downloads: 49)
The German Bund, 1815
Prussia clearly shown as largest German state
Important gains in 1815
Note also dominant position of Austria
Bismarck – the man
Family influences a) his father b) his mother
Political views
Attitude towards a united Germany
Bismarck – Minister President
King facing problems with Progressives over army budget
Bismarck in Paris 1859-62 (comment by king)
Bismarck anti-liberal ..”Germany does not look to Prussia’s liberalism …”
“The great questions of the day will not be decided by speeches and resolutions of majorities … but by blood and iron.”
William persuaded to impose new taxes without consent of Diet
Bismarck’s Ideology
Since 1851 had pushed for the exclusion of Austria from German affairs
Bismarck NOT a German nationalist -Far more a Prussian nationalist
Aware of need to maintain balance of power in Europe
Bismarck & Austria (1)
Persuaded William not to support proposed change to Bund
1863 Danish king attempted to overturn the Treaty of London & annex Schleswig-Holstein
Provinces claimed by German prince
Great upsurge in national feeling
The North German Confederation
Austrians defeated at Sadowa
War ended by Treaty of Prague
Austrians ceded Venetia, agreed to Prussian annexation of Schleswig-Holstein & agreed to the end of the German Bund
To be replaced by the North German Confederation