Overview
This lecture explores the global impact of the American Civil War, the rise of Bismarck and a unified Germany, and the European scramble for Africa, emphasizing political strategies, technological advancements, and the consequences of imperialism.
American Civil War & Global Influence
- European powers sent observers to both Union and Confederate sides to study tactics and technology.
- Railroads were central to Civil War strategy; the North had a standard gauge, South had 32 different gauges.
- Prussia benefited most, learning trench warfare and logistics that influenced future conflicts like World War I.
Bismarck, German Unification, and Prussian Strategy
- Wilhelm I became King of Prussia in 1861, with Otto von Bismarck as his chief minister from 1862.
- Bismarck used Realpolitik—pragmatic, sometimes manipulative politics, e.g., setting old age pension at 65.
- Prussia and Austria jointly defeated Denmark in 1864, then Bismarck manipulated Austria into the Seven Weeks' War (1866), leading to Prussian dominance.
- North German Confederation formed after Austria’s defeat; Austria-Hungary established soon after due to internal weakness.
Franco-Prussian War & the German Empire
- Bismarck provoked France (Ems Telegram), leading to the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71); France was decisively defeated.
- Southern German states joined Prussia; German Empire proclaimed in 1871 at Versailles.
- France lost Alsace-Lorraine, paid reparations, and experienced political humiliation (Paris Commune).
- Bismarck created alliances (with Britain, Russia, Austria, Italy) to isolate France and maintain German security.
European Imperialism in Africa
- After 1870, France and other European nations competed for African territory, driven by new medicine (quinine), technology, and racist ideologies.
- Social Darwinism, promoted by Herbert Spencer, justified European domination as “scientific” racism.
- King Leopold II of Belgium’s rule in Congo was marked by brutal exploitation and atrocities for rubber production.
- Africa was nearly entirely colonized by 1913, with only Ethiopia and Liberia remaining independent.
The Boer War and Imperial Legacy
- The Boers (Afrikaners) fought British forces (1898-1902) in South Africa over land and rights, partly fueled by gold and diamond discoveries.
- British victory led to the incorporation of Boer territories into South Africa.
- Baden Powell's experiences during the war inspired the founding of the scouting movement.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Realpolitik — pragmatic politics focused on practical and power-based considerations.
- Social Darwinism — misuse of evolutionary theory to justify social inequality and imperialism.
- North German Confederation — union of northern German states under Prussian leadership post-1866.
- Paris Commune — radical socialist government that briefly ruled Paris after France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War.
- Boers/Afrikaners — Dutch-descended settlers in South Africa.
- Ems Telegram — manipulated message used by Bismarck to provoke the Franco-Prussian War.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review assigned readings on the colonization of Africa.
- Study maps of 19th-century Europe and Africa for next class.
- Be prepared to discuss the impact of imperialism and its justifications.