Realpolitik

When a person does whatever it takes

to strengthen their country even if

what they must do is immoral

Example:  When Otto von Bismarck started the Austro-  

                Prussian war after originially working with

                Austia to annex land from Denmark.

Otto von Bismarck

Chancellor of Prussia who led the

unification of Germany through his

"Blood and Iron" policy and use of

"Realpolitik" 

Annex

When a country seizes land from one

country in order to add it to their own

territory

Example:  Prussia's annexation of Schleiswig & Holstein

                from Denmark

A German Emperor

Example:  Wilhelm I was the first Kaiser of the

               German Kingdom.  He was referred to                    as "Kaiser Wilhelm"

A collection of independent German states which

was overseen by Austria as decided at the Congress

of Vienna (1815)

_{Congress of Vienna}

A meeting of the major powers of Europe with the

purpose of redrawing the map of Europe after the

defeat of Napoleon

These major powers included: Austia, Great Britain,

France, Russia, and Prussia

An economic agreement between the German states which

was led by Prussia with the purpose of eliminating trade

barriers such as tarriffs and agreeing upon a common

currency.

Note:  Austria was excluded from the Zollverein

Danish-Prussian War

War between Denmark and Prussia/Austria over

the territories of Schleiswig and Holstein.  Victory

by Prussia and Austria resulted in them splitting

these territories.

Note:  Prussia took Schleiwig and Austria took Holstein 

War between Prussia and Austria over who would control

territories of Schleiswig and Holstein (formerly of

Denmark).  Prussian victory resulted in the establishment

of the Northern German Confederation.

War between Prussia and France (1870).  Prussian victory

resulted in unification of all German states which became

the German Empire.