1st PUC History Question and Answer – NAPOLEON BONAPARTE AND RISE OF NATIONALISM
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NAPOLEON BONAPARTE AND RISE OF NATIONALISM Questions and Answers, Notes, and Summary
1st PUC History Chapter 9
NAPOLEON BONAPARTE AND RISE OF NATIONALISM
Chapter-9.1
NAPOLEON BONAPARTE (1769-1821)
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I. Answer in a word or sentence each.
Question 1.
Who was the first consul of France?
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte was the first consul of France.
Question 2.
Who was Admiral Nelson?
Answer:
Admiral Nelson was the British naval commander who defeated Napoleon in the Battle of Trafalgar.
Question 3.
In which year did Napoleon Bonaparte crown himself as the Emperor of France?
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself as the Emperor of France in 1804.
Question 4.
Who established the Bank of France?
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte established the Bank of France in 1805.
Question 5.
Which University was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte?
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte founded the University of France in 1808.
Question 6.
Who imposed the continental system?
Answer:
The continental system was imposed by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Question 7.
Where did Napoleon Bonaparte die?
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte died on the island of St. Helena.
Question 8.
Which was the last battle of Napoleon Bonaparte?
Answer:
The last battle of Napoleon Bonaparte was the Battle of Waterloo.
Question 9.
Who is called as the second Justinian?
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte is called the second Justinian.
Question 10.
In which year was the Battle of Waterloo fought?
Answer:
The Battle of Waterloo was fought in 1815.
II. Answer in two or three sentences each.
Question 1.
Name the parents of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte’s parents were Count Charles Bonaparte and Countess Leticia Romalina. They belonged to a noble family from the island of Corsica.
Question 2.
Where and in which year was Napoleon Bonaparte born?
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte was born at Ajaccio in the island of Corsica on August 15, 1769. His early life in Corsica shaped his ambition and determination.
Question 3.
Between whom and when was ‘Tilsit Treaty’ concluded?
Answer:
The Treaty of Tilsit was concluded between Napoleon Bonaparte of France and Tsar Alexander I of Russia. It was signed in 1807 after Napoleon’s victory.
Question 4.
What is Concordat?
Answer:
The Concordat was a religious treaty signed between Napoleon Bonaparte and Pope Pius VII in 1802. It re-established Catholicism as the state religion of France and restored relations with the Papacy.
Question 5.
What is Continental system?
Answer:
The Continental System was a policy introduced by Napoleon in 1806 to weaken Britain by banning British goods in European countries. It ultimately harmed France and Europe more than England.
Question 6.
What is Legion of Honour?
Answer:
The Legion of Honour was an award instituted by Napoleon Bonaparte to honor those who rendered meritorious military and civil services to the state. It was based on equality without class or religious distinction.
III. Answer in 15-20 lines each.
Question 1.
Write about the life and rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Answer:
- Napoleon Bonaparte was born at Ajaccio in the island of Corsica on 15th August 1769. His parents were Count Charles Bonaparte and Countess Leticia Romalina. He grew up with strong self-confidence, ambition, and hard work. He studied at Brienne and the Military Academy in Paris, where he developed a keen interest in military science. At the age of seventeen, he joined the French army as an artillery officer.
- During the French Revolution, Napoleon gained fame by suppressing two rebellions against the French government. In 1796, he was appointed commander of the French army in Italy and achieved great victories against Sardinia and Austria, securing the Treaty of Campo Formio. He later launched an expedition to Egypt, where he won the Battle of the Pyramids but was defeated by Admiral Nelson at the Battle of the Nile.
- In 1799, Napoleon overthrew the Directory by a coup d’état and established the Consulate, becoming the First Consul. By 1804, through a plebiscite, he crowned himself as Emperor of France. His administrative reforms, introduction of the Code Napoleon, educational improvements, and economic measures strengthened France. Napoleon rose from a young Corsican soldier to become one of the greatest rulers of Europe, marking the period from 1799–1815 as the “Napoleonic Era.”
Question 2.
Write about the military expeditions of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Answer:
- Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the greatest military geniuses in history. His first major success came in the Italian Campaign (1796–97), where he defeated Sardinia and Austria, leading to the Treaty of Campo Formio. He then launched an expedition to Egypt to weaken Britain, winning the Battle of the Pyramids but losing at the naval Battle of the Nile to Admiral Nelson.
- In 1804, after declaring himself Emperor, Napoleon faced coalitions formed by Austria, Prussia, Russia, and England. In 1805, the French fleet was defeated at the naval Battle of Trafalgar, but Napoleon won a decisive land victory at the Battle of Austerlitz against Austria and Russia. He signed the Treaty of Tilsit with Tsar Alexander I of Russia in 1807, which brought much of Europe under his influence.
- To weaken Britain, Napoleon introduced the Continental System in 1806, banning British trade in Europe. However, this policy backfired and created resistance. His campaign in Spain failed due to guerilla warfare and British intervention, which he called the “Spanish Ulcer.” In 1812, he launched the Russian Campaign, but it ended in disaster as his army perished in the severe winter.
- The coalition armies of Austria, Prussia, Russia, and England defeated him at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. After his exile to Elba, he returned for the “Hundred Days,” but was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 by the Duke of Wellington. His military expeditions made him famous but also led to his downfall.
Question 3.
Discuss the continental system of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Answer:
- The Continental System was an economic policy introduced by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to weaken Britain. He realized that Britain’s strength lay in its trade and commerce, which supported its powerful navy. Through the Berlin Decree (1806) and the Milan Decree (1807), Napoleon ordered that British goods be excluded from all European markets.
- The aim of this system was to cut off Britain from European trade, hoping to destroy its economy and force it into submission. Napoleon attempted to enforce this blockade throughout Europe, including Spain, Portugal, and Russia.
- However, the policy failed to achieve its objective. Instead of crippling Britain, the system harmed European nations, which depended heavily on British imports such as manufactured goods and colonial products. Many countries began to resist and secretly traded with Britain. Spain revolted against Napoleon’s interference, leading to a long war. Russia openly violated the system, which led Napoleon to invade Russia in 1812—a disastrous campaign for him.
- Thus, the Continental System became one of Napoleon’s greatest blunders. Instead of weakening Britain, it weakened France’s economy and created discontent in Europe, ultimately contributing to his decline.
Question 4.
Explain the causes for the decline of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Answer:
- Napoleon Bonaparte was a brilliant leader, but several factors led to his downfall. His excessive ambition and pride made him overextend his empire. His rule depended mainly on military power, and his soldiers, drawn from different nationalities, lacked unity and loyalty.
- The rise of nationalism in Spain, Austria, Prussia, and Russia turned people against him. His interference in Spain led to a national revolt supported by Britain, which drained French resources. The Continental System (1806) also failed, as it hurt France and Europe more than Britain, leading to economic hardships and resentment.
- The Russian Campaign of 1812 was a turning point in his decline. The French army suffered terrible losses due to the cold winter, hunger, and Russian resistance, leaving Napoleon weakened. After this, his enemies formed the Fourth Coalition and defeated him at Leipzig in 1813.
- Other causes included his weak navy compared to Britain, constant opposition from England, betrayal by his allies, and his poor treatment of the Pope, which angered Catholics. Finally, Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo in 1815 by the Duke of Wellington and was exiled to St. Helena, where he died in 1821.
- Thus, his downfall was due to his ambition, failed policies, military defeats, and the growing spirit of nationalism in Europe.
Question 5.
Napoleon Bonaparte was “The Child of Revolution” and “the Destroyer of Revolution.” – Justify this statement.
Answer:
- Napoleon Bonaparte is often called both “The Child of the Revolution” and “the Destroyer of the Revolution.” He was the child of the French Revolution because he rose to power during the revolutionary period, which destroyed the old monarchy and opened opportunities for talent. His reforms reflected the ideals of the Revolution, such as equality before law, merit-based society, religious toleration, and abolition of feudal privileges. His Code Napoleon preserved many revolutionary principles and influenced Europe for centuries.
- At the same time, Napoleon acted as the destroyer of the Revolution. Though he initially upheld republicanism, he overthrew the Directory and made himself First Consul, later crowning himself Emperor in 1804. France remained a republic only in name, while he established an authoritarian rule. He limited freedom of the press, restricted political liberty, and centralized power in his hands.
- Moreover, his military campaigns across Europe spread revolutionary ideals but also imposed arbitrary governments, turning him into a conqueror rather than a liberator. His ambition for personal glory overshadowed the original revolutionary goals of liberty and democracy.
- Thus, Napoleon was truly a child of the Revolution in his rise and reforms, but he also destroyed its spirit by establishing dictatorship and pursuing endless wars.
IV. Answer in 30-40 lines each.
Question 1.
Describe the administrative reforms of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte was not only a great military general but also an able administrator. His period of rule brought stability to France after the chaos of the French Revolution. His administrative reforms transformed France into a modern state and left a permanent impact on Europe.
- Centralized administration:
Napoleon centralized the entire system of local government. France was divided into Provinces or Departments, which were subdivided into Arrondissements and Communes. Prefects and Sub-Prefects, appointed by him, controlled these divisions and were directly responsible to him. This ensured uniform enforcement of laws. - Secretariat of State:
He developed the Secretariat of State into a powerful office that supervised the administration efficiently. His loyal police force and army supported the smooth functioning of this centralized authority. - Code Napoleon:
His greatest achievement was the introduction of the Code Napoleon. It included the Civil Code, Penal Code, Code of Civil Procedure, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Commercial Code. These provided civil equality, religious tolerance, property rights, and legal uniformity. These codes influenced not only France but also other European countries. For this, Napoleon is often called the “Second Justinian.” - Religious reform – The Concordat:
Napoleon signed a treaty with Pope Pius VII in 1802 known as the Concordat. It restored Catholicism as the state religion of France but kept the Church under state control. This healed the breach between the Church and the Revolution. - Educational reforms:
Napoleon introduced a national system of education with four grades: elementary, secondary, higher, and special schools. He established technical, civil service, and military schools. In 1808, he founded the University of France to maintain standards. Christian ethics and loyalty to the state were emphasized. - Public works:
He undertook massive public works to reduce unemployment. Roads, bridges, canals, and new streets were built. Paris was beautified with arches and monuments such as the Louvre Museum. France was modernized and connected with other European regions. - Economic reforms:
Napoleon improved financial administration by establishing the Bank of France in 1805. Taxes were collected efficiently, corruption was reduced, and trade and industry were encouraged. Stock exchanges were regulated, and national debt was reduced. - Legion of Honour:
To reward merit, Napoleon instituted the Legion of Honour, an award given for civil and military services, irrespective of class or religion.
Conclusion:
Napoleon’s administrative reforms brought order, efficiency, and modernization in France. They reflected revolutionary ideals like equality and merit but under an authoritarian framework. His reforms became the foundation of modern France and influenced many European countries.
Question 2.
Write about rise and conquests of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Answer:
Napoleon Bonaparte is remembered as one of the greatest military leaders in world history. His rise from an ordinary Corsican soldier to Emperor of France is remarkable. His conquests extended French influence over much of Europe, though his ambition eventually led to his downfall.
Rise of Napoleon:
Napoleon was born in Corsica on August 15, 1769. He studied at Brienne and later at the Military Academy of Paris. At seventeen, he joined the French army as an artillery officer. During the French Revolution, he gained fame by suppressing rebellions. In 1796, he was appointed commander of the French army in Italy. His Italian campaign was highly successful, defeating Sardinia and Austria, leading to the Treaty of Campo Formio in 1797.
He also launched an Egyptian campaign against Britain, winning the Battle of the Pyramids but losing the naval Battle of the Nile to Admiral Nelson. In 1799, he overthrew the Directory by a coup d’état and established the Consulate, becoming the First Consul. In 1804, he crowned himself as Emperor of France through a plebiscite.
Conquests of Napoleon:
Napoleon’s military genius brought him victories across Europe.
- In 1805, though his fleet was defeated at the Battle of Trafalgar by Admiral Nelson, he won the Battle of Austerlitz against Austria and Russia, his greatest triumph.
- In 1807, he concluded the Treaty of Tilsit with Tsar Alexander I of Russia, making France the dominant power in Europe.
- He imposed the Continental System in 1806, aiming to cripple Britain’s economy by banning its goods in Europe. However, it harmed France and created resentment.
- His intervention in Spain, where he placed his brother Joseph on the throne, led to a national revolt supported by Britain, which Napoleon later called the “Spanish Ulcer.”
- In 1812, Napoleon invaded Russia after Tsar Alexander violated the Continental System. The campaign ended in disaster due to the Russian “scorched earth policy” and severe winter, costing him most of his army.
- In 1813, he was defeated at the Battle of Leipzig by the coalition of Austria, Prussia, Russia, and England.
- He was exiled to Elba but returned in 1815 for the “Hundred Days.” Finally, he was decisively defeated at the Battle of Waterloo by the Duke of Wellington and exiled to St. Helena, where he died in 1821.
9.2 Unification Of Italy
I. Answer in a word or a sentence.
Question 1.
What is Carbonari?
Answer:
Carbonari was a secret society in Italy that aimed to achieve national unity and independence.
Question 2.
Who founded Young Italy?
Answer:
Young Italy was founded by Giuseppe Mazzini in 1831.
Question 3.
Who said ‘Pen is mightier than Sword’?
Answer:
The phrase ‘Pen is mightier than Sword’ was said by Giuseppe Mazzini.
Question 4.
Who published the paper ‘Resorgimento’?
Answer:
The paper Resorgimento was published by Count Cavour.
Question 5.
Who helped Sardinia and Piedmont in her war against Austria?
Answer:
France under Napoleon III helped Sardinia and Piedmont in her war against Austria.
Question 6.
Which treaty was concluded after the war between Austria and Sardinia?
Answer:
The Treaty of Zurich was concluded after the war between Austria and Sardinia.
Question 7.
Who established the Red Shirt Army?
Answer:
The Red Shirt Army was established by Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Question 8.
Who was the first King of United Italy?
Answer:
Victor Emmanuel II was the first King of United Italy.
Question 9.
Name the capital of United Italy.
Answer:
The capital of United Italy was Rome.
II. Answer in 2 words or 2 sentences.
Question 1.
Name the architects of Italian Unification.
Answer:
The architects of Italian Unification were Giuseppe Mazzini, Count Cavour, Giuseppe Garibaldi, and Victor Emmanuel II.
Question 2.
What were the aims of Young Italy?
Answer:
The aims of Young Italy were to achieve freedom from foreign rule and to establish a united, republican Italy.
Question 3.
Who was called the Sword of Italian Unification? Name the army he established.
Answer:
Giuseppe Garibaldi was called the Sword of Italian Unification, and he established the Red Shirt Army.
Question 4.
Name any 4 States of Italy.
Answer:
The four States of Italy were Sardinia, Lombardy, Venetia, and Sicily.
Question 5.
Who was the Chancellor of Victor Emmanuel II? What was his policy?
Answer:
Count Cavour was the Chancellor of Victor Emmanuel II, and his policy was Blood and Iron (Realpolitik) through diplomacy and war.
III. Answer in 15 to 20 sentences.
Question 1.
Trace the role of Joseph Mazzini in the Unification of Italy.
Answer:
Joseph Mazzini was one of the earliest leaders who inspired the Italian unification movement. Born in 1805, he grew up with a deep sense of patriotism and wanted to see Italy free from foreign control. In 1831, he founded the secret society called Young Italy, which aimed to unite the country as one free and independent republic. Through this movement, he spread the message of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Mazzini believed that the youth of Italy had the power to bring change, and he encouraged them to fight for the nation. His revolutionary activities inspired many Italians, even though most of his early uprisings failed. Mazzini also played a role in organizing revolts in Piedmont and other states during the 1830s and 1840s.
Although these revolts were suppressed by Austria, they awakened a strong sense of nationalism among the people. Mazzini’s writings, speeches, and ideals reached beyond Italy, inspiring revolutionaries across Europe. He sacrificed his personal life for the cause of his nation and lived much of his life in exile. For his dedication, he is remembered as the “Soul of Italian Unification.” Though he did not succeed directly in uniting Italy, his ideas laid the foundation for future leaders like Cavour and Garibaldi to achieve unification. Thus, Mazzini’s role was that of a visionary who planted the seeds of Italian nationalism.
Question 2.
Describe the role of Count Cavour in the Unification of Italy.
Answer:
Count Cavour was the Prime Minister of Sardinia-Piedmont and the chief architect of Italian unification. He was a practical and diplomatic leader, unlike Mazzini who believed in revolutionary methods. Cavour worked under King Victor Emmanuel II and used his political skills to strengthen Sardinia. He modernized the economy, developed industries, and built a strong army to prepare the state for leadership. Cavour realized that Italy could not be united without defeating Austria, which controlled Lombardy and Venetia. Therefore, he used diplomacy to seek support from other European powers. In 1858, he signed the Plombières Agreement with Napoleon III of France, securing French aid against Austria.
The war of 1859 followed, and the combined armies of Sardinia and France defeated Austria at the battles of Magenta and Solferino. As a result, Lombardy was annexed to Sardinia. Soon after, Parma, Modena, and Tuscany also joined. Cavour’s clever diplomacy ensured that Sardinia became the driving force of unification. He even managed to integrate Garibaldi’s southern victories with Victor Emmanuel’s rule, avoiding civil war. Though he died in 1861, soon after the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy, his work was crucial. Cavour is rightly called the “Brain of Italian Unification”, because without his diplomacy and planning, Italy could not have been united.
Question 3.
Write about the part played by Garibaldi in the Italian Unification.
Answer:
Giuseppe Garibaldi was a brave soldier and a popular leader in the Italian unification movement. He is often remembered as the “Sword of Italian Unification.” Garibaldi was deeply influenced by Mazzini’s ideals and dedicated his life to the cause of a free and united Italy. He organized and trained a group of fighters called the Red Shirts, who became famous for their courage. In 1860, Garibaldi launched the historic Expedition of the Thousand. With just about a thousand volunteers, he sailed to Sicily and defeated the Bourbon rulers. From there, he moved to Naples and gained the support of the common people. His victories showed his military genius and his ability to inspire ordinary Italians to join the struggle.
However, Garibaldi was not ambitious for power. Instead of keeping the conquered territories for himself, he handed them over to King Victor Emmanuel II in 1860. This selfless act helped unite the northern and southern parts of Italy under one crown. Garibaldi also played a role in later struggles to free Venetia and Rome. His courage, patriotism, and sacrifice made him a national hero. Thus, Garibaldi’s role was crucial, as he provided the military strength needed to achieve Italian unity.
IV. Answer in 30 to 40 sentences.
Question 1.
Describe the stages of Italian Unification.
Answer:
The unification of Italy was a long and complex process that took place during the 19th century. At the beginning of the century, Italy was divided into several states such as Lombardy, Venetia, Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, Piedmont, Tuscany, Parma, Modena, and the Papal States. The movement for unification began with secret societies like the Carbonari, who aimed to overthrow foreign rule, especially the domination of Austria. The early stage was led by Joseph Mazzini, who founded Young Italy in 1831. He inspired the youth with nationalist ideas and wanted Italy to be a united republic. However, his revolutionary attempts in the 1830s and 1840s were suppressed by Austria and the rulers of Italian states. The next stage was the rise of the Kingdom of Sardinia and Piedmont under King Victor Emmanuel II and his able minister Count Cavour. Cavour believed in practical diplomacy and sought help from France against Austria. After the Plombières Agreement in 1859, Napoleon III of France supported Sardinia in the war against Austria, leading to the victory at the Battle of Magenta and Solferino. As a result, Lombardy was added to Sardinia.
The southern movement was led by Giuseppe Garibaldi, a true patriot and fighter. In 1860, he organized the Expedition of the Thousand with his Red Shirt Army and conquered Sicily and Naples. He later handed over these territories to Victor Emmanuel II, strengthening the unification. In 1861, Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed the King of Italy, marking an important stage of unity, though Venetia and Rome were still outside. The Austro-Prussian War of 1866 gave Italy the opportunity to annex Venetia. Finally, in 1870, when France withdrew its troops from Rome due to the Franco-Prussian War, Italian forces occupied Rome. Rome was declared the capital of Italy in 1871. Thus, the unification of Italy, which started with revolutionary ideals, was finally achieved through the combined efforts of revolutionaries, diplomats, and patriots in different stages.
Question 2.
Describe the part played by Mazzini, Cavour and Garibaldi in the Italian Unification.
Answer:
- The Italian Unification was made possible by the combined efforts of three great leaders – Joseph Mazzini, Count Cavour, and Giuseppe Garibaldi. Each of them played a unique and important role in bringing Italy together as a nation. Mazzini was the idealist and visionary of Italian nationalism. He founded the secret society Young Italy in 1831 and inspired the youth with ideas of liberty, equality, and nationalism. His writings, speeches, and revolutionary activities spread the spirit of patriotism across Italy. Though his revolts failed, he sowed the seeds of unity and prepared the ground for future leaders. He is rightly remembered as the “Soul of Italian Unification.”
- Count Cavour, the Prime Minister of Sardinia-Piedmont, was the architect of Italian Unification. Unlike Mazzini, he was a practical statesman and believed in diplomacy rather than revolutions. He strengthened the economy of Piedmont, modernized the army, and used diplomacy to gain international support. Cavour entered into the Plombières Agreement with Napoleon III of France and later fought Austria in 1859. The victory enabled Sardinia to annex Lombardy, while Parma, Modena, and Tuscany also joined. Cavour thus made Sardinia the driving force of Italian unity.
- Giuseppe Garibaldi, on the other hand, was the sword of Italian unification. He was a soldier and a man of action who organized the Red Shirt Army. In 1860, he launched the Expedition of the Thousand and captured Sicily and Naples with great courage. Instead of keeping power for himself, he handed over his conquests to King Victor Emmanuel II, showing his selfless patriotism. This act was crucial in bringing North and South Italy together. Finally, with the annexation of Venetia in 1866 and Rome in 1870, the unification was complete.
- Thus, Mazzini provided the vision, Cavour provided the diplomacy, and Garibaldi provided the military action. Together, they played complementary roles, which led to the success of the Italian Unification and the birth of modern Italy.
9.3 Unification of Germany

I. Answer in a word or a sentence each.
Question 1.
What was the famous policy of Bismarck?
Answer:
The famous policy of Bismarck was “Blood and Iron”.
Question 2.
In which year did Prussia attack Denmark?
Answer:
Prussia attacked Denmark in 1864.
Question 3.
Which King of Denmark declared the annexation of Schleswig and Holstein?
Answer:
King Christian IX of Denmark declared the annexation of Schleswig and Holstein.
Question 4.
Which treaty ended the Austro-Prussian War?
Answer:
The Treaty of Prague (1866) ended the Austro-Prussian War.
Question 5.
Which treaty ended the Franco-Prussian War?
Answer:
The Treaty of Frankfurt (1871) ended the Franco-Prussian War.
II. Answer in two words or two sentences each.
Question 1.
What was Zollverein?
Answer:
Zollverein was a customs union formed in 1834 under Prussian leadership. It aimed to bring about economic unity among the German states by removing trade barriers.
Question 2.
Why did Frederick William IV reject the offer of the Frankfurt Parliament?
Answer:
Frederick William IV rejected the offer because the crown was offered by the people’s representatives and not by the German princes. He considered it an insult to accept a “crown from the gutter.”
Question 3.
Who assisted Bismarck in the re-organization of the Prussian military?
Answer:
Bismarck was assisted by General von Moltke and War Minister von Roon in reorganizing the Prussian military.
III. Answer in 15-20 sentences. (5 marks)
Question 1.
Discuss the role of Bismarck in the Unification of Germany.
- Answer:
Otto von Bismarck played the most decisive role in the Unification of Germany and is rightly called the “Architect of German Unification.” He was the Prime Minister of Prussia from 1862 and believed in the policy of “Blood and Iron”, meaning that Germany could be united only through wars and military strength, not through speeches or parliaments. His foreign and domestic policies were both aimed at strengthening Prussia and eliminating the obstacles to unification. - Bismarck first reorganized the Prussian army with the help of General von Moltke and War Minister von Roon, making it the strongest military power in Europe. His first step was to weaken Denmark, which controlled the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. In 1864, Prussia, with Austrian support, defeated Denmark, bringing the duchies under joint control.
- The second stage was the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, also called the Seven Weeks’ War. Bismarck cleverly isolated Austria diplomatically by gaining the neutrality of France, Russia, and Italy. The war ended with the Treaty of Prague, and Austria was permanently excluded from German affairs. Prussia then formed the North German Confederation, uniting all northern German states under its leadership.
- The final step was the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71. Bismarck provoked France into war by manipulating the Ems Telegram. The southern German states joined hands with Prussia, and together they defeated France. Napoleon III was captured, and France was humiliated by losing Alsace and Lorraine to Germany.
- In 1871, in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, King Wilhelm I of Prussia was proclaimed the German Emperor, completing the unification. Bismarck’s brilliant diplomacy, manipulation of alliances, and military strategy ensured the success of German Unification. Thus, Bismarck played the central role, and history remembers him as the “Iron Chancellor” who united Germany.
IV. Answer in 30-40 sentences. (10 marks)
Question 1.
Discuss in detail the different stages of the German Unification.
Answer:
The Unification of Germany was completed in 1871 under the leadership of Prussia and its Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck. Before unification, Germany consisted of 39 states formed by the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Austria and Prussia were the strongest, but rivalry existed between them. Bismarck believed in his famous policy of “Blood and Iron,” meaning unification through wars and military power.
- The first stage was economic unity through the Zollverein (1834), a customs union led by Prussia. It removed tariffs, promoted trade, and gave Prussia economic leadership, while Austria was excluded. This prepared the ground for political unity.
- The second stage was the Danish War of 1864. The duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, with German populations, were under Denmark. When Denmark tried to annex them, Prussia allied with Austria and defeated Denmark. Schleswig went to Prussia and Holstein to Austria, creating tensions between the two powers.
- The third stage was the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, also called the Seven Weeks’ War. Bismarck diplomatically isolated Austria and ensured neutrality of France, Italy, and Russia. Prussia quickly defeated Austria at the Battle of Sadowa. The war ended with the Treaty of Prague, excluding Austria from German politics. Prussia then annexed northern states and formed the North German Confederation (1867) under Prussian leadership.
- The final stage was the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71. Bismarck provoked France by editing the Ems Telegram, making it seem that Prussia had insulted the French. This united the southern German states with Prussia. Prussia’s army defeated France, capturing Napoleon III at Sedan and besieging Paris. France surrendered and ceded Alsace and Lorraine to Germany under the Treaty of Frankfurt.
- On 18 January 1871, in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, King Wilhelm I of Prussia was proclaimed the German Emperor. This marked the official unification of Germany.