Class 1/31/18

Why were the Papal States the last?

Napoleon III of France had many Catholic supporters. Therefore, the people of France would not have been happy if their country essentially went to war with the Pope. This could have possibly lead to the Catholics in France wanting war with Italy. War on Italy could have been detrimental to the unification of Italy at this point in time because the Italian states are struggling enough as it is just to unify themselves. They could not have afforded to put energy and focus into anything other than the completion of Italian unification. This is why the Pope's Papal states were last- because the figures trying to unify Italy did not want to risk angering anyone that could have resulted in the destruction, or at least halting, of Italian unification. 

"The great question of the day will not be decided by speeches and resolutions- that was the blunder of 1848 and 1849- but by blood and iron."

Bismarck is simply stating that the unification of Italy was not going to happen through the usage of words and making peaceful agreements with other nations. They must be aggressive and literally fight for what they want- which are the remaining Italian states in order to fully achieve Italian unification. 


Bismarck(gyarn thinks at least) thinks that one should always have "2 irons in the fire"

He is basically saying that one must always be prepared and expect the unexpected. One must have multiple plans in case the original one fails. There are usually multiple ways to achieve your goal, so have them in mind and ready to use because it is likely that one will have to adjust accordingly. 

There were 3 major wars which had to take place in order for Germany to unify... 

The first was with Denmark. Austria allies with Prussia and defeats Denmark. Bismarck is very manipulative with Austria as he utilizes them during this war but soon turns against them.

The second was the Austro-Prussian War. The Bismarck led Prussia turned against their former ally- Austria, and defeated them. Prussia gave Austria very lenient peace terms which later paid off for Bismarck. 

The third and most important war in regards to German unification was that of the Franco-Prussian War. "Bismarck calculated that a patriotic war with France would drive the south German states into his arms." So, Bismarck intercepted a telegraph and made it sound like the French were insulting the German people. He enlisted Austria to help and Napoleon III was defeated. Very harsh terms were given to Germany. This created a very bad relationship between Germany and France for the future. 

Taming of the German Parliament 

Bismarck basically ignored everything everyone else was saying. Ultimate power rested in the hands of the Prussian king and army.