German Unification

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Established in 1815 by the Congress of Vienna, it was an assembly of German-speaking nations with no governing power.

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What was the German Confederation?

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A Prussian born lawyer, diplomat, and statesman who believed in 'Realpolitik', a political ideology based on Realism, Practicality, and Machiavellianism.

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Who was Otto von Bismarck?

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King of Prussia, the largest German-speaking state, and a staunch supporter of German Unification. He did not get along with Bismarck.

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Who was King Wilhelm I?

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What were the Wars for German Unification?

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A series of conflicts from 1861-1871, including the defeat of Denmark in 1864 and Austria in 1866, leading to the unification of German territories.

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How did Bismarck help incite the Franco-Prussian War?

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By manipulating the EMS telegram to goad France into being the aggressor

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Head of the Prussian Army and one of history's most important military innovators.

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Who was Helmuth von Moltke?

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What happened during the Prussian victories against France?

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In September 1870, France was crushed, Napoleon III was captured, and by January 1871, France surrendered.

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What was the outcome of the German Empire's formation in 1871?

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All German states voted to become part of a new German Empire, with Wilhelm I as Emperor and Bismarck as Chancellor.