Important Factors In Germany's Unification example essay topic

It is a matter of great debate amongst historians as to whether or not Germany could have been united without Bismarck, and if his contribution to the unification has been exaggerated. Whilst it is true that Bismarck was instrumental in the unification of Germany, many other factors also contributed, and many historians see his involvement as more of a catalyst to speed up the process. In support of this argument is the fact that there were already attempts at unification before Bismarck came to power. Unification seemed a logical step to many Germans, as they shared their culture and language. Also the matter of distance was becoming less of a problem, as new technologies improved travel and communication speeds with railways and telegraphs. Even though many feared change, particularly the rulers of the small kingdoms in Germany, support for unification was steadily growing.

Another set of important factors that caused unification to seem inevitable to historians, with or without the assistance of the Kaiser, were the gradual political changes in Germany. By 1815 the number of Germanic states had been whittled down from 369 under the Holy Roman Empire to 39 to as few as 11. Support for the view that unification could have been possible without Bismarck can also be found in the fact that the Army reforms, which allowed the Prussian army to grow so powerful and to conquer other areas of Germany, began before Bismarck gained power. This powerful army led to an increase in Germany Nationalism, as did many other outside influences which can also be contributed to Germany's unification. In the 19th century, there was much change throughout Europe, so that it became known as "the century of change". Nationalism was growing steadily in other European countries, and this caused many Germans to become more patriotic themselves.

They were also influenced by the revolutions in France and other European countries, and so wanted more freedom for themselves, and were influenced by the effect of unification on Italy. Historians often argue that Germans saw the improvements made in other countries through unification or implementing a democracy, particularly the economic benefits, and so state these as being important factors in Germany's unification. The industrial revolution and free trade were causing rapid growth in German industry and trade, especially in the more advanced states such as Prussia. This caused the less fortunate states to see unification as an advantage to them, as it would improve their economic standing. Also unity was seen as important in "catching up" with Britain in terms of technology and economic power. Despite Bismarck's claim that Germany would be united through warfare ("Blood and iron"), many historians believe that it was mostly achieved through industry ("Coal and iron").

However, he is believed to have sped up the process of unification. He was very adept at manipulation and politics, and used these skills greatly to Prussia's advantage in gaining territory and uniting the German states. He goaded his enemies into starting wars with him, and had them underestimate the power of his army, to allow Prussia to gain easy victories and take territory justifiably. More evidence of Bismarck's cunning can be seen in his manipulation of the Ems Telegram, where he frustrated and angered France so much they declared a war on Prussia that they could not win.

However, some historians, such as William Carr, believe that Bismarck did not actually intend to unite Germany and was more concerned with gaining territory for Prussia. Overall it seems that whilst Bismark did speed up the process of Germany's unification through his political manoeuvring and his expansion of Prussia, other factors made it quite likely that the unification process would have came about regardless of his intervention..