Explain about the different supporting and opposing element in German unification.

After 1848, conservatives in Europe often mobilized nationalist sentiments for promoting state power and achieving political domination over Europe. This caused a methodical shift of nationalism in Europe away from its association with democracy and revolution. The formation of Germany as a nation state was one of the most important events in the history of the world. The seeds of nationalism were first sowed by Napoleon Bonaparte in Germany. He established the ‘Confederation of the Rhine’ after destroying three hundred small states of the Holy Roman Empire. The establishment of ‘German Confederation’ of thirty-nine states was declared in the Congress of Vienna. The unity among the ‘German Confederation of the States’ was brought about by a carefully planned exchange of culture, mediator roles played by universities, the rapid growth of industries etc. The main hurdles in the unification of Germany were as follows –

1) Austrian interference in German problems

2) Political, economic and social differences amongst the states.

3) English interference in German affairs.

4) Weak military power in the larger states.

5) Lack of public social awareness regarding the unification.

6) Dominance of papal regime in the southern states.

The main supporting elements behind the unification of Germany are as follows –

1) The Zollverein or Economic Union: The national economy of Germany was controlled by the ‘Economic Union’ or ‘Zolleverein’. Free trade was established among the various countries like Prussia and different German states who joined this Union barring Austria. Prussia became the leader of German States, once all the German states joined the ‘Zolleverein’ by 1850. This allowed Prussia to gain economic importance which later aided in its military and political growth.

2) Intellectual Movement : The system which was adopted in the Vienna Congress created hurdles in the unification of ‘German Confederation of States’, which was counter acted upon by the expressions of the intellectuals who lived in different parts of Germany regarding the unification. People were deeply influenced by the ideas and writings of the German Philosophers like Hegel and Schopanheuer, Scientists like Hemholtz and Virchow and the historians like Sybel and Droysen. The propagation of liberal national ideas and thoughts took place in the Gentian Universities like Jena, Leipzig, Munich and Berlin which filtered down to the common masses. This created a want for a a unified Germany among the masses.

3) Rapid Industrialisation: The Prussian Finance Minister Massen abolished restrictions on tariff which caused a rapid growth in the field of industries. Economic growth was strengthened with the growth of railways, trade and commerce among the German States which led to its unification.

4) Bismarck’s Contribution - Ottovon Bismarck was the chief hero of the formation of Germany as a nation state. He was appointed as the Prime Minister of Prussia in 1862 and followed the ‘Blood and Iron Policy’. The unification of Germany could be possible owing to his subtle diplomatic exercises and adept use of military. He was aided by the Prussian bureaucracy and the military in his effort.

Bismarck’s main objective was to unify Germany and he believed that this could only be done through military power and not by the common people. This led to three wars over seven years against Austria, Denmark and France.

The wars ended with Prussian victory and led to the unification of the German confederation.