Napoleon kindled the national sentiment, but German unity was achieved by Bismarck

Napoleon’s invasion on Germany was a great historical event.

No doubt it was the imperialistic expansion of the French empire under the leadership of Napoleon, but it can be termed as a blessing in disguise. Before Napoleon’s attack on German region the entire Germany was divided into 300 states.

It was Napoleon who steel-frame of administration. Napoleon created a Federal set up of 39 states. These 39 states were created out of the 300 states and thus a political unity was established. This Federal set up created by Napoleon had a psychological effect of the minds of millions of Germans and they first time felt that they were part of one cultural land.

Later on the actual role in this regard was played by Bismarck who was genius diplomat and had united Germany not only by a better domestic policy but also by international diplomacy.

As a diplomat he was totally against democracy and liberal political ideas. He followed the policy of Blood and Iron and did the best from his side for the unity of Germany under the leadership of Prussa. After 1851 Bismarck emerged as a great supporter of autocracy and had started constant effort for the unification of Germany under the banner of Prussa.

When Bismarck was sent to Russia he won the support of Russian ruler against France. Again he was sent to France; there he won the sympathy of Napoleon III. Later on when he was appointed as the chancellor of Germany his real endeavor for German unity had started. After becoming the Chancellor of Germany he adopted the policy of Blood and Iron. He strengthened the unmilitary and paid attention to make his state a military power.

Another important step was establishing very stringent control on the parliament. In this way he made him the most influential man in all the political affairs. Another aim was to stop the interference of Austria in German region. In 1862, he supported Russia in trampling the rebellion in Poland region just to get Russian support. He also established economic relation with France.

As far as his military action is concerned he first attacked on Denmark. In this battle, he managed the support of Austria against Denmark. After the battle Austria got the region of Holestine that was the region inhabited by German. This was also a diplomatic win for Bismarck displayed hostile approach towards Austria which was the biggest hurdle in German unification.

Before a direct conflict he strengthened friendship with France and assured to give France some of the resourceful regions. Bismarck had also reined a secret treaty with Sardinig against Austria. In this battle Austrian army fought on different fronts and during the battle it remained denied this proved beneficial for Prussa. After this battle states of Henovar, Holestine, Slesmige were merged into Prussa.

France-Prussa war was another great success for Bismarck this war had become inevitable as Bismarck had not given the region of Rhine valley to France after his victory in the war against Austria. The question of Luxemburg also added fuel to the fire against Bismarc managed the support of Italy by giving to it Venetia.

This battle was the best opportunity for Italy to establish its control on Rome. French received a great set back in this battle and after the Treaty of Frankfurt on 26 Feb, 1871 Prussa got the region of Strasberg and Loren and also 20 crore pond as war identity. This victory on France unified the whole Germany.

Thus it is true to say that Napoleon kindled the natural sentiment of the Germans and Bismarc establish the real political unity and integrity.