Otto von Bismarck’s desire could not have unified Germany alone

Otto von Bismarck’s desire could not have unified Germany alone; factors including liberalism, nationalism, industrialized infrastructure and Prussian dominance in the German states helped to mould the second German reich. Historians have debated whether Bismarck shaped the unification thorough meticulous planning, this is the view of the traditional German historians. More recent historians such as A. J. P Taylor, have argued that Bismarck had no ‘master plan’ , instead German unification came from the economic and military power of Prussia and Bismarck’s flexibility as a statesman.
The process of the political unification was spread primeriliy over three wars, these being the product of Bismarck’s foreign policy. However before Bismarck was appointed in 1862 their were other significant factors that helped contribute the unification in 1871. Breuilly states ‘the modernisation of much of Germany before 1871 created conditions in which political transformation in the German lands could be imagines’ . The Prussian led zollverein was an economic zone that brought economic unity and stimulus to the German lands, as J.M Keynes states ‘Germany was formed from ‘coal and iron’ rather that ‘blood and iron’ .
The zollverein was the German Customs Union that introduced the doctrine of free trade, shared currency and a weights and measurement standards system that promoted cooperation between its members. The union endeavoured to defend German business interests through tariffs on raw materials such as iron and cotton. These protectionist methods along with the doctrine of free trade meant a broader market for home-produced goods at a less expensive price. During the early phases of industrialization the zollverein acted as a ‘substitute for a nation-state’
The economic unification through the zollverein also established Prussia as the economic leader in Germany. It encapsulated the German Confederation; protected Germany’s home industries; encouraged the production of roads and railways and was a source of unity for the German people that aroused nationalist sentiment. The Prussina historian Heinrich von Treitschke regarded the Zollverein as the ‘glorious beginning of a glorious history’ . It also helped to isolate Prussia’s main rival in the region; Austria.
Prior to Bismarck’s appointment to Prussian prime minister industrialisation had been more favourable to Prussia than Austria. This shows that Prussian leadership in the Confederation was having a positive effect on the economy. However, as important as the Zollvewrein was it did not bring political unity with it. This can be seen as many of the members still supported Austria up until the Franco-Prussian war. Overall the Zollverein was an economic force that helped stimulate the German economies; keep Austria out of the German question and economically unite the German states.
The appeal of nationalism and liberalism also helped to unite Germany. The invasion of the German states by Napoleon and the French army had made the inhabitants highly aware of their weakness as independent states. This awareness of the fact that individual states would not be able to stand up to the French, increased the cry for a united German nation-state. The death of King Frederick William III of Prussia, in 1840 allowed for his more liberal son to rule as a more constitutional monarch.
Liberalsim and nationalism can be seen to have a uniting effect on Germany before Bismarck took the reins of power. A unified Germany was foreseeable by the late 1840s and in 1848 the Frankfurt parliament was called to draw up a constitution for a united German nation-state. It cannot however be said that a united Germany was what every German wanted. Breuilly states that ‘much political energy in 1848-9 was confined to seeking change within individual states’ , This attempt by the liberals to unite Germany by ‘moral conquest’ faced formidable problems and subsequently failed in its objective.
The Prussian constitutional crisis transpired between 1860-62. The house of Reprasentatives would not pass King William I military reforms that would increase expenditure and grant more resources. The reform of the Prussian army was an essential factor within the unification process. By appointing Bismarck to prime minister this allowed for Prussia to press ahead with the reforms despite the opposition, in time the reforms would lead to the army being doubled in strength and become the most powerful in Europe. The reforms included introducing new weapons, doubling its strength and increasing consiption from two years to three years.
The reform of the army can be seen as one of the first steps on Bismarck’s path to unification. This was an essential element if Bismarck wanted to unite Germany through force, as set out in his infamous ‘Blood and Iron’ speech in the House of Reprasentatives. Bismarck had set Prussia on the road to war. Historians such as Craig believe that the ‘political development of Prussia and Germany was dependant, to a far greater extent than is true of any other country, upon the organization of the army’ . This claim is easy to comprehend, the proclamation of the German Reich in 1871 followed the military triumphs of the Prussian army, first over Austria in 1866 and then France in 1871.