Unification of Germany

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/unification-of-germany

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the date of proclamation?January 18, 1871
2. What is the architect of unification?Otto von Bismarck, Chancellor of the German Empire
3. What was Germany like before it became one country?Before 1871, Germany was made up of more than thirty small states, principalities, and free cities. They were loosely connected by the German Confederation, which was dominated by Austria and did not create a strong national identity.
4. Why did Bismarck want Germany to be united?Bismarck believed that unification could only be achieved through Prussian strength and decisive action. He used wars and nationalism to bring the German states together under Prussian leadership.

Realpolitik: A pragmatic approach to politics focused on national interest and power, often disregarding ideology or ethics.
German Confederation: A loose association of German-speaking states formed in 1815, dominated by Austria, and dissolved in 1866.
Zollverein: A German customs union established in 1834, promoting economic integration and Prussian influence.
Hegemony: Leadership or dominance, especially by one state or social group over others.