In the early 19th century, Germany was called the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, which comprises more than 300 countries.Among them, the greatest impact were Austria, Bavaria, Saxony, Prussia, Wurtemberg and others.These states are subordinate to the emperor and the Diet only formally, having almost complete independence.
unification of Germany in the 19th century was carried out under the influence of many factors.For example, from the economic point of view, it became necessary to create a single economic space.Different currencies is, numerous trade barriers hinder the development of trade.In addition, to reflect the external threats to the State was to be united, strong and powerful, but not crushed.It needed a single, centralized authority.That is why the unification of Germany was only a matter of time.
As a result of the war with Napoleon, the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation ceased to exist.In West Germany from 1806 to 1813 he was established Confederation of the Rhine, which includes 16 states are required to participate in military actions on the side of France.In these areas, Napoleon serfdom was abolished and in 1804 introduced the Civil Code.However, after the defeat of Napoleon Union disintegrated.
In 1815, the Congress of Vienna under the leadership of Austria was delicious 4 free cities and 34 states in the German Confederation.They retain their independence, but was given the leading role of Austria, who presided as the largest state in the ruling body - the Diet.
In 1834 the Customs Union was established, which consisted of Prussia, Bavaria, and another 16 states.They led Prussia, which also sought to unify Germany.This was aided by increases every year industrial power.
for the unification of Germany under his command fought two big states - Austria and Prussia.The first was a Catholic and multi-ethnic country.Therefore, before it was acute national question.Moreover, it is economically backward.
The unification of Germany was carried out by military means.In 1866, at the head of the Prussian troops O. Bismarck concluded a secret agreement with Italy against Austria.In June of the same year he provoked the war, occupying Holstein.On the proposal of the Austrian Federal Diet decided to mobilize troops against Prussia.As a result of the Prussian and Italian troops attacked Austria and its allies.The latter were defeated.August 24th, 1866 in Prague signed a peace treaty with Prussia, to which Austria has refused claims to hegemony in the German states.
After the victory of Prussia over Austria, the first was the only unifier.To connect the northern German lands, Prussia defeated Denmark and southern and western - defeated France.The merger of the capital of the German Empire became Berlin - the political center of Prussia.The form of it became a constitutional monarchy.Emperor (Kaiser) was the King of Prussia.Legislative power is exercised by Parliament.It consisted of two chambers, the Bundesrat (Federal Council) and the Reichstag (Imperial Assembly).
unification of Germany in 1871 was enshrined in the Constitution, which was adopted on April 16 Constituent Reichstag.The state is a federation built on a territorial basis, and consists of three groups.The first includes 22 of the monarchy: 4 kingdoms, principalities 7 and 11 of the Grand Duchy.The second consisted of the free cities with the republican device.The third included the imperial land - Alsace and Lorraine.
unification of Germany led to its considerable strengthening: it became a great European power, which had a great influence on posleduschego history.
