Prussian Liberals and Bismarck: Improved Relations
TITLE
Explain why relations between Prussian liberals and Bismarck improved in the period 1864–1871.
ESSAY
Relations between Prussian liberals and Bismarck improved significantly in the period 1864-1871 due to several key factors. Firstly, Prussia's victory in the war with Denmark in 1864 over the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein played a crucial role. The treaty of Vienna stipulated that the duchies would be jointly administered by Prussia and Austria. However, the Convention of Gastein in 1865 ended this joint administration, with Schleswig being administered by Prussia. This territorial gain aligned with the aspirations of Prussian liberals who favored German nationalism, leading to an improvement in relations.
Another factor that contributed to the improvement in relations was the successful renegotiation of the Zollverein contracts in 1865. The Zollverein was a customs union that facilitated economic cooperation among German states. Bismarck's government was able to renegotiate these contracts to Prussia's advantage, which had material benefits for the country. This economic success helped to foster a positive relationship between Prussian liberals and Bismarck.
Furthermore, Prussia's swift victory over Austria in the Seven Weeks' War of 1866 played a significant role in improving relations. Prussia gained extensive land gains, including Holstein, Hesse-Cassel, Hanover, Nassau, and Frankfurt. Additionally, all other German states north of the river Main, including Saxony, were formed into the North German Confederation (NGC) under Prussian leadership. This move towards unification of Germany was a shared goal of Prussian liberals and Bismarck, leading to an improvement in their relations.
The victory over Austria also meant that two-thirds of all Germans, excluding German Austrians, were now part of the Prussian-dominated NGC. For many liberals, this signified that unification was finally happening, even if it was achieved through force. There was a growing acceptance among liberals that the end justified the means, leading to the formation of the National Liberal Party, which pledged to support Bismarck in his nationalist policies. This alignment of goals further improved relations between Prussian liberals and Bismarck.
Finally, the war with France from 1870 to 1871 played a crucial role in solidifying the relationship between Prussian liberals and Bismarck. The victory in this war led to a popular demand in the four southern German states to turn the wartime alliance into a permanent union. Treaties were signed in November 1870, and in January 1871, the king of Prussia became the German Emperor, marking the achievement of the goal of a unified Germany held by liberals. This successful outcome further strengthened the bond between Prussian liberals and Bismarck.
In conclusion, the period from 1864 to 1871 witnessed a significant improvement in relations between Prussian liberals and Bismarck. Factors such as territorial gains, economic success, the formation of the NGC, and the achievement of a unified Germany through Bismarck's policies all contributed to this positive development. The shared goals and aspirations of Prussian liberals and Bismarck played a crucial role in fostering a stronger relationship during this period.
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Explain why relations between Prussian liberals and Bismarck improved in the period 1864–1871. Indicative content Prussia was victorious in the war with Denmark (1864) over the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. By the treaty of Vienna, the duchies were to be jointly administered by Prussia and Austria. In 1865 the Convention of Gastein ended this joint administration and Schleswig was administered by Prussia. Thus, Prussia had gained additional territory. Prussian liberals favoured German nationalism which led to some improvement in relations. The Zollverein contracts were running out in 1865. They were successfully renegotiated to Prussia’s advantage by Bismarck’s government. Thus, material considerations helped to bring some improvement in relations. In 1866 Prussia swiftly defeated Austria in what became known as the ‘Seven Weeks’ War’. Prussia received extensive land gains (Holstein, Hesse-Cassel, Hanover, Nassau, and Frankfurt). All other German states north of the river Main, including Saxony, were to be formed into the North German Confederation (NGC) under Prussian leadership. It seemed that the creation of a unified German state was moving ever closer. This did improve relations. For example, only seven votes were cast against an Indemnity Bill introduced by Bismarck. It asked parliament to grant an indemnity for any actions taken by the government, without parliament’s consent, during the previous four years. Victory over Austria meant that two thirds of all Germans, excluding German Austrians, were now part of the Prussian dominated NGC. For many liberals it appeared unification was happening, even if carried out by force, and there was some acceptance that the end justified the means. A large section of the Liberal Party formed themselves into the National Liberal Party, pledged to support Bismarck in his nationalist policy. Victory in the war with France (1870–71) led to a popular demand in the four southern German states to turn a wartime alliance into a permanent union. In November 1870 treaties were signed with these states who agreed to join the German Empire. In January 1871 the king of Prussia becoming the German Emperor. Thus, the goal of a unified Germany held by liberals had been achieved through Bismarck’s policies. Accept any other valid responses.