Ruqayyah Snyder
The unification of Germany and Austria has been a topic of discussion and debate since the mid-19th century, with the idea of a greater Germany versus a smaller Germany being a key point of contention. The unification process of Germany began on August 18, 1866, with the formation of the North German Confederation Treaty, which led to the establishment of the North German Confederation, dominated by Prussia. This marked the first step towards building a nation-state for Germans, excluding multi-ethnic Austria and its German-speaking parts. The idea of unifying Austria and Germany, known as Anschluss, gained support at different times, notably in the early 20th century and under Nazi rule in the 1930s. The complex dynamics between Prussia and Austria, the rise of nationalism, and the impact of historical events shaped the discourse and efforts surrounding the unification of Germany and Austria.
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What You'll Learn
The Austro-Prussian War
Prussia deliberately challenged Austria for leadership of the German Confederation. Prussia had challenged Austria in 1850, but its mobilisation was a complete failure, and it was forced to accept humiliating terms at Olmütz. Since then, Prussia had prepared for a fresh challenge, and in 1866, under the leadership of Otto von Bismarck, found a pretext in a dispute over the administration of Schleswig and Holstein, which both Austria and Prussia had seized from Denmark in 1864. Bismarck also contrived to divert Austrian forces by allying with Italy, who attacked Venetia in the south, forcing Austria to divide its forces. Prussia further provoked Austria by intervening in the dispute over Holstein, which Prussia had previously given to Austria, and interfering with Austria's preferred method of resolving the dispute diplomatically.
Prussia also made secret alliances with Italy and France and did everything possible to prepare for war. Prussia's generals, led by Helmuth von Moltke, prepared for every contingency and acquired the most modern weapons available for their troops. Prussia's victory at Koniggratz was enabled by its ability to cut off Austrian forces in the south and prevent any other assistance from the north, allowing it to move most of its forces to Bohemia. The Austrian general was not eager for battle, but the Emperor insisted, and two armies of over 250,000 men met, with Austria losing over 30,000 men.
The major result of the war was a shift in power among the German states away from Austria and towards Prussia. This resulted in the abolition of the German Confederation and its partial replacement by the unification of all of the northern German states in the North German Confederation, which excluded Austria and the other southern German states. Prussia's victory enabled it to organise the North German Confederation and annex several territories, including Schleswig-Holstein, Hannover, and several other duchies. Austria was forced to cede control of its Venetian territory to Italy, and its prestige among the German states was decreased, although most of its empire remained intact. Prussia had become one of the dominant states in Europe.
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Otto von Bismarck's role
The unification of Germany and Austria has been referred to as "Anschluss", which translates to "joinder", "connection", "unification", or "political union". The term was used to describe the incorporation of Austria into Germany in 1938. However, the unification you are referring to is likely the one that occurred in the 19th century, which was led by Otto von Bismarck.
Otto von Bismarck played a significant role in the unification of Germany, which took place in the 19th century. Bismarck was a German statesman and diplomat who served as the Minister President and Foreign Minister of Prussia from 1862 to 1890. He was also the first Chancellor of Germany from 1871 to 1890. Bismarck's Realpolitik and firm governance earned him the nickname Iron Chancellor.
Bismarck's main goal was to strengthen the position of Prussia in Europe and unify the north German states under its control. He aimed to weaken Prussia's main rival, Austria, by removing it from the German Federation and making Berlin, not Vienna, the centre of German affairs. Bismarck's diplomatic skills and political leadership were key factors in Prussia's success. He manipulated events in 1866 and 1870 to demonstrate Prussia's dominance over Austria and achieve unification under its leadership.
In 1866, Bismarck worked with newly formed Italy to create a diplomatic environment that led to the Austro-Prussian War. He signed a secret agreement with Italy, committing both states to assist each other in a war against Austria. This war resulted in the defeat of Austria and the replacement of the German Confederation with the North German Confederation, which aligned the smaller north German states under Prussian influence.
Bismarck also played a role in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. Through his diplomacy and political leadership, he ensured that France could not guarantee Austria's sphere of influence in Central Europe. This further solidified Prussia's hegemony in Germany and ended the debate between those who supported a Greater Germany (including Austria) and those who favoured a Small Germany (excluding Austria).
Historians debate Bismarck's true intentions, with some arguing that he only intended to unify the north German states and expand Prussian power, rather than creating a unified nation-state. Nonetheless, his actions and leadership played a crucial role in the unification of Germany, even if it was a byproduct of his broader goals for Prussia.
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Prussia's growing strength
Prussia's economic strength was one of the key drivers of its growing influence. The acquisition of land on the Rhine and in the Saarland in 1815 gave Prussia access to abundant raw materials, including coal, iron, and wood, which boosted its industrial production. From the 1850s onwards, Prussia's industrial output surpassed that of Austria, and by 1870, it had double the length of railway lines and produced five times more iron. Prussia's economic growth led to the development of its trade and transport businesses, and it established a customs union, the Prussian Zollverein, in 1818, which facilitated trade with other states.
Prussia's military strength also played a pivotal role in its rise. The country's economic prowess enabled it to develop a modernised army, which proved instrumental in achieving military successes. Prussia's victories in regional wars, such as the Franco-Prussian War and the Austro-Prussian War, fostered enthusiasm and pride among Germans, providing a platform for politicians to promote unification.
Prussia's diplomatic strategies further enhanced its position. Otto von Bismarck, the Minister President of Prussia, played a pivotal role in Prussia's growing strength and the unification process. Bismarck's Realpolitik and diplomatic skills were key in expanding Prussia's influence. He created a diplomatic environment that led to the 1866 war with Austria and subsequently formed alliances with other states, such as Italy.
The decline of Austrian influence, particularly its economic decline and reduced production, also contributed to Prussia's growing strength. Prussia's economic and military advancements made it an attractive trade partner for smaller German states, further diminishing Austria's influence.
In summary, Prussia's economic prosperity, military successes, and diplomatic manoeuvring, coupled with the decline of Austrian influence, culminated in its growing strength and played a decisive role in the unification of Germany. Prussia's ability to harness its economic and military power, along with Bismarck's diplomatic skills, positioned it as a leading force in the unification process, ultimately shaping the course of German unification.
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Austrian Nazis
In 1934, Austrian Nazis attempted a coup d'etat, assassinating Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss. The coup failed, and many leading Austrian Nazis fled to Germany, where they continued to advocate for unification. Kurt Schuschnigg, who replaced Dollfuss, faced pressure from Hitler and was forced to accept Nazi ministers into his government. In early 1938, Schuschnigg announced a referendum on unification, but before it could take place, Hitler threatened an invasion and pressured Schuschnigg to resign. The German Army crossed into Austria on March 12, 1938, and a plebiscite held in April showed manipulated results indicating overwhelming support for unification.
The Anschluss marked the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany and was celebrated by Hitler as a return to its original home. However, it also led to widespread antisemitic actions, political violence, and the imprisonment and persecution of Jewish people in Austria. Austrian Nazis collaborated with the Gestapo in looting Jewish belongings, seizing businesses, and arresting those who resisted. The unification of Austria and Germany was a significant step in Hitler's vision of creating a Greater German Reich that included all ethnic Germans.
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The Treaty of Versailles
The reparation system was reorganised and payments were reduced in the Dawes Plan and the Young Plan. However, the payment of reparations proved ruinous, and the attempt was abandoned after the Great Depression. The bitter resentment of the treaty fuelled the rise of the Nazi Party and eventually the outbreak of World War II. Germany ignored the limits that the treaty placed on its rearmament. The United States never ratified the treaty and made a separate peace treaty with Germany, although it was based on the Versailles Treaty.
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Frequently asked questions
The unification of Germany and Austria in 1938 was called the Anschluss, which translates to "joinder", "connection", "unification", or "political union".
The unification process was complex and gradual. It began with the rise of nationalism and the desire to create a unified Germany in the 19th century. The first war of German unification was the 1862 Danish War, and the second was the 1866 Austro-Prussian War, which resulted in Prussia's victory and the establishment of the North German Confederation. The idea of a unified Austria and Germany, or "Greater Germany", gained support after World War I and the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. However, it was forbidden by the Treaty of Versailles. In the 1930s, Austrian Nazis and pro-unification activists pushed for unification, leading to a plebiscite in 1938 that resulted in the annexation of Austria into Germany under Nazi rule.
The unification of Germany and Austria had significant consequences. It was one of the first major steps in Adolf Hitler's plan to create a Greater German Reich that included all ethnic Germans. It also led to the expansion of Nazi influence and power in the region. Additionally, the unification caused tension and conflicts between different political factions within Austria and Germany, such as the Austrofascists who opposed unification and the Nazis who strongly supported it.
