Question

Who had a major role in the unification of Germany?

• A. Giuseppe Garibaldi
• B. Napoleon Bonaparte
• C. Otto von Bismarck
• D. William I

Hint:

Otto von Bismarck's realpolitik, including the manipulation of wars and alliances, played a key role in the unification of Germany, culminating in the formation of the German Empire in 1871.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The person most responsible for the unification of Germany in the 19th century was Otto von Bismarck. Bismarck’s Role:
- Otto von Bismarck, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Prussia, played a crucial role in unifying Germany under Prussian leadership through a series of political and military maneuvers. - Bismarck used realpolitik (political realism) to achieve his goal of unification, skillfully manipulating alliances, creating wars, and navigating diplomacy. Key Steps in German Unification:

1. Danish War (1864):
Bismarck allied with Austria to defeat Denmark, gaining the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein.
2. Austro-Prussian War (1866):
Bismarck cleverly excluded Austria from the conflict, defeating it and establishing the North German Confederation under Prussian leadership.
3. Franco-Prussian War (1870-71):
Bismarck used diplomatic tension with France to provoke war, and the victory against France united the southern German states with the North German Confederation.
4. Proclamation of the German Empire (1871):
The unification was officially completed when the German Empire was proclaimed in Versailles on January 18, 1871, with King Wilhelm I of Prussia becoming the first German Emperor (Kaiser).