Explain why Germany was unified in 1870.
The problem of German Unity had been an issue for the German States for quite some time; in 1848 the Liberal Nationalists saw the opportunity to unite Germany following the revolutions of "48, and the subsequent changes in government and constitution, on this occasion the nationalist outcry resulted in the formation of a Federal Diet at Frankfurt. This German Confederation excluded Austria, because of her anti-unity policy, preferring rather a loose "middle-Europe" coalition. Ever since first being appointed Prussian representative to the Federal Diet in 1851, Bismarck had urged the Prussian Government to seize power in the German Confederation. He had been instrumental in advising the Prussian Authorities to block the Austrian's plans for an enlarged Zollvereign, and in his role as Chancellor from 1861 to 1890, he sought to enlarge Prussia and unite the German States - under Prussian leadership. .
In 1862 Bismarck made his famous speech in which he publicly stated that "the great questions of the day [German unity] will not be settled by speeches and majority decisions - that was the great mistake of 1848 and 1849 - but by blood and iron". This highlighted his determination for expansion and the seizure of power from Austria. The international situation at the time was very favourable for Bismarck and the fulfilment of his aims; following Italy's earlier defeat of Austria, Austrian power was open to question, in addition to this, Austria was on very unfavourable terms with Russia, following the Russian's defeat in the Crimean war, meaning that Russia was unlikely to interfere in Germany to Austria's advantage. Finally the fluidity of the diplomatic situation in Europe, due in part to the willingness of both Russia and France to overturn the balance of power in Europe at the time, also gave Bismarck room in which to manoeuvre and exploit the situation as and when necessary.
