What were the key steps in the process of German unification?
Otto von Bismarck was a Prussian statesmen, and a key figure in the unification of Germany. As a statesman he constantly worked to advance Prussian interests, and in 1862 he became Prime Minster of Prussia. As Prime Minister, he advocated strength at all fronts, and for the king’s authority in the event that a legislature blocks him. In 1866, Prussia went to war with the German Confederation (led by Austria) for seven weeks before emerging victorious. As a result, Austria accepted the Prussian annexation of northern German territories. Prussia then formed a North German Confederation. Prussia remained interested in unifying Germany, which concerned France’s Napoleon III , believing a unified Germany would dreamily shift the balance of power in Europe. The bloody six month war (which included the capture of Napoleon III) united all of Germany against France, and after the defeat of France, led to the creation of the German Empire. William I, Emperor of Prussia, became the first Emperor of Germany, and the European balance of power was shifted forever.
Discuss the significance of two of the major innovations of the Second Industrial Revolution.
In 1878, Thomas Edison invented the modern incandescent light bulb. This invention is used by billions of people to light buildings, streets, and other locations. Not only did this offer a practical and inexpensive source of light, but it in turn increased productivity at night and in the early morning. It also allowed for street to be more effectively lit, which made them safer, and allowed for people to stay out later.
In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell invented the first practical telephone at the age of 29. Telephones truly revolutionized communication, and would soon allow people from across the globe to talk simply by pushing a few buttons. Eventually, phones would be made mobile, and these mobile phones would soon become smart phones. Smart phones (as of 2018) are not only tools for communication, but also for information and entertainment, as modern smart phones are essentially the most advanced computers. By inventing the telephone, Bell not only changed communication forever, but also would set in motion several additional advances that would revolutionize the world as we know it.
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