Question

How did Bismarck and other factors and events unite Germany?

a) Through military conquest
b) Through diplomatic negotiations
c) Through economic alliances
d) Through cultural assimilation

Answer 1

Otto von Bismarck united Germany through military conquest, diplomatic negotiations, and economic alliances, culminating in the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871.

Step-by-step explanation:

German unification was achieved through the efforts of Otto von Bismarck and other events that strategically expanded German power and influence. Bismarck used a combination of military conquest, diplomatic negotiations, and economic alliances to unite Germany under Prussian leadership. Through three decisive wars with Denmark, Austria, and France, Bismarck managed to exclude Austria from German affairs, assert Prussian dominance, and unite the northern German states through victory. He employed Realpolitik, a practical approach that avoided unnecessary occupation of Austria, to instead focus on German unification. The successful acquisition of territories like Alsace and Lorraine from France further solidified German unity, which was formally established in 1871 with the proclamation of the German Empire.

Answer 2

Bismarck achieved German unification through military conquest, prioritizing military spending and initiating decisive wars with Austria, Denmark, and France.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bismarck achieved German unification primarily through military conquest. He prioritized military spending and initiated a series of decisive wars with Austria, Denmark, and France, expanding German power and excluding Austria from German affairs. These victories led to the formation of a unified Germany, solidifying Bismarck's triumph of militarism and authoritarianism. With victories against these countries, Bismarck succeeded in annexing significant territories and aligning various German states against common enemies, eventually leading to the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871 after the Franco-Prussian War.