Germany+in+the+19th+Century

This page focuses on what students most need to know about this topic in preparation for the IB exam.

IB Definition of Topic
For first examinations in 2017:

Italy (1815–1871) and Germany (1815–1890)
This section deals with the history of both Germany and Italy from 1815; in the case of Italy, from the Congress of Vienna to 1871, and in the case of Germany, up to 1890. There is consideration of the impact of the congress system on both Italy and Germany, and of the causes, events and consequences of revolutions from 1815–1849. There is also a focus on the emergence and growth of nationalism in the German states and the Italian peninsula, as well as the social, economic and political factors involved in the unification process.
 * Italy (1815–1849): impact of the Congress of Vienna on Italy, Austrian dominance, role of Metternich; nationalism and liberalism; attempted revolutions in Italy between 1820 and 1844; Mazzini and Gioberti; role of the papacy; 1848–1849 Revolutions—causes, nature, defeat and consequences •
 * Germany (1815–1849): impact of the Congress of Vienna on Germany; nationalism and liberalism in the Vormärz period; economic and social change before 1848; 1848–1849 Revolutions—causes, nature, defeat and consequences
 * Unification of Italy (1849–1871); Cavour and Garibaldi; the role of foreign influence
 * The rise of Prussia and the decline of Austria (1815–1866); the Zollverein • Bismarck, Prussia and final unification: diplomatic, economic, military reorganization; Wars of Unification; the 1871 Constitution • Germany (1871–1890): Bismarck’s domestic policies, including the Kulturkampf and the anti-socialist campaign; consolidation of the new German state and the role of Prussia within it

2. Major Areas of Focus

 * The major focus of IB questions in this area is the role of Bismarck.
 * Another focus is the conditions in Germany and Europe that Bismarck inherited, going back to the Napoleonic era.
 * Within Bismarck's unification campaign, there have been several questions about relations with Austria and France in particular.
 * A couple of recent questions ignore unification entirely, and ask about German Imperial policies.

3. Essay Questions from Past IB Exams, Organized Chronologically by Exam Date
2001-N

QUESTION 7 How successful was Bismarck as Chancellor in his foreign policies between 1862 and 1890?

This was another extremely popular question. The major difficulty here was the dates, which ran from 1862 to 1890. Too few candidates stopped in 1871 and a very small minority started their essay in 1871. There was a surprising lack of knowledge about the Triple Alliance, affairs in the Balkans, and the Berlin Conference of 1885. There were a handful of excellent answers, which covered the entire chronology and made appropriate critical judgments about Bismarck's success or failure

2002-M

QUESTION 4 Why, and to what extent, had Prussia replaced Austria as the leading power in the German Confederation by 1862?

Despite the date in the question, some weaker candidates wrote mostly on post-1862 events, looking at Bismarck’s policies, rather than those what preceded Bismarck. However, there were many strong responses that looked at how the Congress of Vienna set the stage for Prussia’s development; the Zollverein’s development and significance; and Austria’s weaknesses. Although candidates were, as usual, much stronger on Prussia than Austria, there were quite a few balanced essays which reflected upon Austria’s domination of the Confederation and the Humiliation of Olmütz. Better candidates noted that it was not clear at all that Prussia replaced Austria by 1862, and that it was only the 7 Weeks’ War in 1866 that made this evident.

QUESTION 7 Assess the aims and achievements of Bismarck’s foreign and domestic policies between 1871 and 1890.

Weaker candidates spent most of their essays writing on the wars of unification and ignored the dates in the question. Those who went beyond unification and into the time period specified had sound knowledge of foreign affairs, but little information on Bismarck’s domestic policies. Candidates knew that the Kulturkampf existed, but really didn’t know what it was; very few of the candidates looked at conservative, Prussian opposition to the Kulturkampf. Even the strongest essays here were unbalanced, but were rewarded for their clear knowledge of Bismarck’s agenda and manipulation of European relations 1871-90.

2002-N

QUESTION 6 Analyse the effects of the 1848 Revolution in Prussia on the eventual unification of Germany in 1871.

The ‘twist’ to this question that required candidates to link the events of 1848 to German unification in 1871 came as an unwelcome surprise to most candidates. They all knew the period 1862-1871 but were extremely sketchy on 1848-1862. There were very few ‘good’ essays on this question.

2003-M

QUESTION 7. In what ways, and with what results, did economic developments and the 1848 revolutions affect the changing balance of power between Austria and Prussia between 1815 and 1862?

This question was not popular as most candidates chose to answer Question 9, which dealt with the later period. While the Zollverein was well known, the specific details of 1848 were dealt with less successfully and the focus of the question on the time period 1815-1848 meant that most candidates lacked enough detailed knowledge of Austria to cope with the demands of the question.

QUESTION 9. In what ways, and with what results between 1862 and 1871, was Germany unified under Prussia?

This was the most popular 19th Century question. The first part of the question was handled well by all candidates with varying degrees of sophistication in the treatment of the military, diplomatic, political, social, cultural and economic aspects behind Germany’s unification. The weakest part of the responses had to do with the ‘results’, for Germany, of its unification up to 1871, which were largely ignored. The consequences of the wars for Austria and France were also frequently omitted.

2003-N

QUESTION 8 To what extent were Bismarck’s difficulties inside Germany between 1871 and 1890 caused by his own views and policies?

Although this is a classic question on Bismarck's domestic policies many candidates found it difficult to come to terms with his 'own views' which required some knowledge of his background and aims. There were some excellent answers which demonstrated both breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding.

2004-M

QUESTION 6 Why was Germany unified under Prussia and not under Austria?

This was quite popular but far too many responses focused on Germany between 1862 and 1871, generally emphasising the role of Bismarck in German unification. Only the better candidates attempted to show why Austria had become weaker, leading to Prussia’s dominance. The general level of response was surprisingly weak.

QUESTION 9 Analyse the successes and failures of Bismarck’s domestic policies between 1871 and 1890.

This question was not very popular, perhaps as there were so many other ‘good’ questions for candidates to choose on this paper. Most responses were rather narrative and descriptive with only the better candidates being able to analyse success and failure adequately.

2004-N

QUESTION 7 Assess the importance of the role of Bismarck in the unification of Germany.

Somewhat surprisingly (perhaps due to the nature of the 20th Century questions) this question was not as popular as one would expect. Some weaker candidates described the events without making much assessment of Bismarck and other weak candidates ignored the existence of factors other than Bismarck.

2005-M

QUESTION 6 To what extent was Germany’s unification under Prussia due to the weakness of Austria?

Few were able to fully explain and analyse Austria’s weaknesses, and too many tried to turn it into a question on Bismarck’s wars.

QUESTION 7 “A period of consolidation at home and abroad.” To what extent does this statement explain Bismarck’s policies between 1871 and 1890?

Most candidates were able to narrate and assess some of Bismarck’s domestic and foreign policies.

QUESTION 15 Analyse the social and economic changes caused by the First World War, in one European country, up to 1929.

This question produced some disappointing results. Few candidates were able to select valid social and economic changes. Germany was the most popular choice, and Russia was not a very suitable choice, as most changes resulted from the revolutions, which were only partially caused by the First World War.

2005-N

QUESTION 4 In what ways, and for what reasons, was the period 1815 to 1866 one of change for Austria?

Too many candidates gave too much prominence to Bismarck in this question rather than on why the period 1815 to 1866 was one of change for Austria.

QUESTION 8 Evaluate the successes and failures of Bismarck’s foreign policy between 1871 and 1890.

Candidates always hope for Bismarck’s foreign policy pre 1871 (see comments on Q.4), but some knowledgeable answers for foreign policy post 1871 were seen.

2006-M

QUESTION 6 Analyse the weaknesses of Austria in the period 1815 to 1866.

Knowledge of Austrian weakness between 1815 and 1866 has improved, and good answers with much specific detail and analysis of Austria’s political and economic problems including those caused by the 1815 Treaty, causing over stretching and nationality problems, were seen.

QUESTION 8 In 1862 Bismarck said: “The great questions of the day will not be settled by speeches and majority decisions.” What were “the great questions of the day” for Bismarck, and how did he settle them up to 1871?

Another popular, and on the whole, successful question. Some as usual recounted Bismarck’s three wars, but many analysed them and other factors in answers that focused on the quotation.

2006-N

QUESTION 6 “The unification of Germany by 1871 was the result of Bismarck’s foresight and careful planning.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

This question on Bismarck and German unification was one of the most popular and successful on the paper. The best candidates debated and analysed the quotation, with many showing familiarity with views and interpretations; some agreed, others disagreed with the quotation. Weak candidates accepted the quotation at face value and described Bismarck’s wars.

2007-M

QUESTION 6 To what extent was German unification under Prussia due to Prussian economic superiority between 1814 and 1866?

Very popular, and answered with varying success. I saw very few answers that were not able to analyse the economic strength of Prussia, and tried to turn it into a question on Bismarck, but some examiners had different experiences.

QUESTION 13 Evaluate the successes and failures of German domestic policy between 1871 and 1914.

Most answers covered Bismarck, with a few general references to the period after 1890, but few concentrated solely on domestic policies. Bismarck is the exception that proves the rule, as it is his foreign policy that attracts candidates.

2007-N

QUESTION 7 Evaluate Bismarck’s use of war as an instrument of policy between 1862 and 1890.

Very popular but too much narrative of ‘Bismarck’s wars.’ Also the period 1871-1890 was largely ignored.

2008-M

QUESTION 7. For what reasons, and with what results up to 1871, did Prussia replace Austria as the leading Germanic power in the German Confederation?

Knowledge on both Prussian strength and Austrian weakness was commendable and it was generally well used and analyzed.

2008-N

QUESTION 6

This topic was generally known, but early Prussian developments, as well as Austrian weakness often lacked details.

2009-M

QUESTION 4

Although knowledge of Austria Hungary is improving, questions on the unification still tempt too many candidates to offer narratives of Bismarck‟s wars which would only partially address the question. Some answers did have a real understanding of Austria‟s decline but many were satisfied with a brief mention of Austria‟s exclusion from the Zollverein.

QUESTION 11

Candidates were quite knowledgeable on Bismarck‟s aims and policies post 1870 but less secure on Wilhelm II and tended to rely on mention of Weltpolitik with little until we got to the “blank cheque” Continuity and change were not really addressed by very many.

2009-N

QUESTION 8

This was particularly disappointing. Many answers were very narrow, focusing on only the events before 1870, or those after. Some simply described the Unification.

2010-M

QUESTION 4 Discuss the relative importance of the decline of Austria and the policies of Bismarck as causes of German unification.

Although knowledge of Austria Hungary is improving, questions on the unification still tempt too many candidates to offer narratives of Bismarck‟s wars which would only partially address the question. Some answers did have a real understanding of Austria‟s decline but many were satisfied with a brief mention of Austria‟s exclusion from the Zollverein.

QUESTION 11 Evaluate continuity and change in German foreign policy between 1871 and 1914.

Candidates were quite knowledgeable on Bismarck‟s aims and policies post 1870 but less secure on Wilhelm II and tended to rely on mention of Weltpolitik with little until we got to the “blank cheque” Continuity and change were not really addressed by very many.

2010-N

QUESTION 3

Most answers to this question were well done and included comparisons between Prussia and Austria, Austrian weaknesses were well illustrated. Weaker candidates insisted on answering on Bismarck and unification which is exactly what the date of 1862 was designed to prevent.

QUESTION 4

A popular question, which was on the whole done with clear comparisons and some contrasts. There was also evidence of good balance and quite detailed knowledge. Some got distracted by historical debate on the aims of both Bismarck and Cavour with superficial knowledge.

QUESTION 11

There were some good answers to this question and most were reasonably balanced in their treatment of both Bismarck and Wilhelm II’s foreign policy, keeping the word “impact” in focus throughout. Pleasingly many avoided turning the answers into causes of the First World War essay although again there were some who answered the question they wanted to find.

2011-M

QUESTION 3 Why had Prussia emerged as the leading German state by 1862?

Most answers to this question were well done and included comparisons between Prussia and Austria, Austrian weaknesses were well illustrated. Weaker candidates insisted on answering on Bismarck and unification which is exactly what the date of 1862 was designed to prevent.

QUESTION 4 Compare and contrast the unification of Germany and Italy in the nineteenth century.

A popular question, which was on the whole done with clear comparisons and some contrasts. There was also evidence of good balance and quite detailed knowledge. Some got distracted by historical debate on the aims of both Bismarck and Cavour with superficial knowledge.

QUESTION 11 Analyse the impact of the new German Empire on European affairs in the years 1871–1910.

There were some good answers to this question and most were reasonably balanced in their treatment of both Bismarck and Wilhelm II‟s foreign policy, keeping the word “impact” in focus throughout. Pleasingly many avoided turning the answers into causes of the First World War essay although again there were some who answered the question they wanted to find.

2011-N

QUESTION 4

Very popular and pleasingly a large number of answers were able to provide material pre- Bismarck and indicate reasons why Prussia was increasingly strong before 1861. Weaker answers tended to focus only on Bismarck and only on the wars.

2012-M

QUESTION 3 Analyse the causes and consequences of the 1848 revolutions in the German states.

Quite a few responses to this and where the candidates had good knowledge the answers kept a tight focus on both causes and consequences. Other answers tended to make general comments about nationalism as a cause and then to identify the main consequence as the unification of Germany.

QUESTION 8 Analyse the major political developments in any one country you have studied between 1848 and 1914.

There were a reasonable number of responses to this many of which focused on Germany and, in particular, German unification which was fine. Some then began to discuss Bismarck‟s foreign policy which was not the focus of the question. However there were some answers which did consider political events within the empire post- 1871 with reasonable supporting detail on the Kulturkampf, the power of the Reichstag etc.

2012-N

QUESTION 3

A reasonably popular question and many candidates were able to write essays, which showed some understanding of the decline of Austria and showed some knowledge. However too many wrote arise of Prussia answer with limited links to the question. Spanish language candidates seemed to find this question particularly problematic writing instead, in many cases, on the events of Italian Unification. It was clear that they had not been prepared for all the bullets in this section of the programme.

QUESTION 4

Quite a popular question and many answers showed a pleasing knowledge and in most cases kept within the timeframe. Analyses of failure were not particularly strong “Bismarck failed because the First World War broke out” is not convincing. On the other hand there was some good structure with his aims identified and then related to his diplomacy. A surprisingly large number of candidates made little or no reference to the Congress of Berlin

2013-M

QUESTION 4 How successful were Bismarck’s domestic policies in the years 1871–1890?

There were some very good answers to this question with sound knowledge of some quite complex material. There was some good structure that linked Bismarck’s “aims" with the “success” of his policies. In this instance very few answers focused on the process of unification.

2013-N

QUESTION 3 “Economic weakness was the main reason for Austria’s decline in the years 1815–1866.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

This was quite a popular question and there were some very good answers which showed wide-ranging knowledge and understanding with continuous links to the question even when considering events in Prussia. Some answers discussed most of the points addressed in the mark scheme covering the whole period. Weaker answers would confine themselves to economic and military weakness in the 1850s/60s.

QUESTION 4 “Bismarck was first and foremost a Prussian nationalist.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

This was a quite popular but not always well done question with some candidates unable to distinguish between a German and Prussian nationalist. Some focused on Bismarck’s foreign policy after 1871 however a few did focus well and even made reference as to how the Federal German Constitution favoured Prussia.

2014-M

QUESTION 4

Many answers failed to focus on “continuity and change” with some interpreting it as change from pre-1871 to post-1871. Some wrote about foreign policy despite the questions demand for a discussion of domestic policy. Nevertheless, there were some knowledgeable answers that made good links to Bismarck’s aim of strengthening the new empire under Prussian dominance.

QUESTION 11

There were some very good responses that identified the objectives of German foreign policy and made sound analytical points on the impact of German actions.

However many candidates seemed confused by the focus of the question; some responses treated it as a causes of the First World War question whilst others focused heavily on German expansionism with too many references to the desire for Lebensraum.

2014-N

QUESTION 3

This was a reasonably popular question but few responses had much knowledge of the situation before 1862 and therefore failed to focus effectively on the set question. Please see the recommendations for future teaching for guidance on avoiding this problem.

2015-M

QUESTION 4

A popular question for which candidates were generally well informed. A pleasing number of them were able to consider underlying factors as well as the wars and avoided a narrative of events.

Essay Questions from Past IB Exams

 * In what ways were the seeds of German unification sown between 1800 and 1815 and how much progress had been made towards this goal by 1853?
 * What did the 1848 Revolutions reveal about the strengths and weaknesses of Austria and Prussia?
 * How far is it true to say that Austria lost control of Germany rather than Prussia gained it?
 * Show how the policies of Metternich and Bismarck contributed to the defeat of Austria by Prussia in 1866.
 * Why was it that Prussia, rather than Austria, had achieved the dominant position in Germany by 1866?
 * It has been claimed that Germany was united “more by coal and iron than by blood and iron”. How far do you agree that economic power contributed more to the unification of Germany than did the military victories of the 1860s?
 * To what extent were Bismarck’s successes due to the mistakes of his opponents?
 * Explain how the inherent strength of Prussia combined with Bismarck’s political skills achieved German unification.
 * To what extent is it true to say that Bismarck gave Germany many years of prosperity and legal government and Europe a period of peace?
 * In 1867, Bismarck said: “Anyone who has looked into the eyes of a soldier dying on the battlefield will think hard before starting a war.” Analyse Bismarck’s foreign policy in the light of these words.
 * What advantages and disadvantages did Bismarck inherit when he became Minister President of Prussia in 1862 and how did he use the advantages to bring about German unification?
 * “Bismarck’s greatness lay not in mastering events but in going with events so as to seem to master them.” How far do you agree with this judgement?
 * To what extent should Bismarck receive credit for the unification of Germany?
 * Compare and contrast Bismarck’s policies towards Austria and France between 1862 and 1871.
 * What were the main problems faced by Bismarck after 1871 and how successfully did he resolve them?
 * “No man has had so great an effect on Germany and none a more profound effect on Europe.” Evaluate this quotation on the career and importance of Bismarck.
 * What problems did Bismarck face at home after 1871?
 * What were the main political, social and religious problems which affected the German Empire between 1871 and 1914
 * “Bismarck’s policies both at home and abroad, between the years 1871 and 1890, merely stored up problems for the future, both for Germany and Europe.” To what extent do you agree with this verdict?

4. Analytical Charts
Key steps in the development of German unification:


 * Blank charts:
 * [[file:Steps to German Unif.xls]][[file:Steps to German Unif.pdf]]
 * Filled-in by students:
 * [[file:Steps to German Unif-Zack L.xls]]

German unification: Phases & Levels


 * Blank charts:
 * [[file:German Unif-Phases & Levels.xls]][[file:German Unif-Phases & Levels.pdf]]
 * Filled-in by students:
 * [[file:German Unif Phases & Levels–Anon student.xls]]

5. Interactive Quizzes and Other Content Review Materials
A variety of [|interactive quizzes, activities and videos] developed or compiled by Russel Tarr at ActiveHistory.

Here is a detailed outline(s) and other great review materials for this unit, prepared by Shannon Leggett for her IB classes.
 * [[file:German Uni Outline-Leggett.doc]]
 * [[file:German Uni Outline-Leggett.doc]]