Question

How was Germany unified?
OR
How was Italy unified?

Hint:

Bismarck's "Realpolitik" approach focused on pragmatic policies and strategic wars to achieve German unification. His skillful manipulation of international relations and conflicts ultimately led to the creation of the German Empire in 1871.

Answer 1

Unification of Germany:
The unification of Germany was a process that took place in the 19th century under the leadership of Otto von Bismarck, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Prussia. This process, which involved both diplomacy and war, led to the consolidation of various German-speaking states into a single German Empire in 187
1.

The Fragmentation of Germany:
Prior to unification, Germany was a collection of over 30 small states and territories, loosely united in the German Confederation, which was dominated by Austria and Prussia. These states were economically and politically divided, and the idea of a unified German state had been a topic of discussion for many years. However, there was no unified leadership or coordination.
The Role of Bismarck:
Otto von Bismarck, who became the Prime Minister of Prussia in 1862, played a crucial role in unifying Germany. Bismarck's policy of "Realpolitik" focused on pragmatic, rather than ideological, solutions to achieve his goals. He worked to expand Prussia's power and weaken Austria’s influence in German affairs.
The Danish War (1864):
Bismarck first took action in 1864, when Prussia and Austria jointly defeated Denmark in the Danish War. As a result, the two powers gained control of the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. This war helped to weaken Denmark's influence in the region and set the stage for further conflict.
The Austro-Prussian War (1866):
In 1866, Bismarck engineered a conflict with Austria, known as the Austro-Prussian War. Prussia defeated Austria in just seven weeks, and as a result, Austria was excluded from German affairs. Prussia established the North German Confederation, a group of northern German states under Prussian leadership. This victory solidified Prussia’s dominance in the German-speaking world.
The Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871):
To unite the southern German states, which were still independent, Bismarck manipulated diplomatic tensions with France. In 1870, he provoked the Franco-Prussian War, portraying France as a threat to Germany. The war united the North German Confederation with the southern German states (which were Catholic and had previously been hesitant to join a Protestant-led state). After Prussia’s victory over France, the German states rallied together to form the German Empire under the leadership of King Wilhelm I of Prussia.
Proclamation of the German Empire (1871):
On January 18, 1871, the German Empire was officially proclaimed at the Palace of Versailles. King Wilhelm I of Prussia became the first Kaiser (Emperor) of Germany, and Bismarck became the Chancellor of the new German Empire. The unification was completed with the annexation of Alsace and Lorraine from France as part of the war settlement.
Conclusion:
The unification of Germany was primarily driven by the leadership of Otto von Bismarck, who used war and diplomacy to achieve his goal of a unified German state. Through strategic military victories and the manipulation of international tensions, Bismarck was able to unify Germany under Prussian leadership, creating a powerful empire in the heart of Europe.