Vol. 3, Issue 6, Part Q (2017)

Abstract

This work focuses on the first unification of Germany under Otto von Bismarck, i.e. the German wars of unification (1864-71), and its subsequent rise as a great power militarily, economically and culturally in the world politics from 1871 to 1918. The unification of many German states into the German Empire (1871-1918) followed Prussia’s victories in the wars against Denmark in the year 1864, Austria in the year 1866, and France in 1870-71. Prussia's aggressive foreign and domestic policies were formulated by Bismarck, who became the first chancellor of united Germany and remained in power till 1890. And by 1900 Germany also emerged as the largest economy of Europe. Therefore, this work addresses the factors behind Germany’s rise to power and thus it seeks to bring out the military, economic and cultural aspects of German Empire with which it rose to great power from 1864 to 1918.