What were the Consequences of the Franco-Prussian War?

The consequences of the Franco-Prussian war proved very significant in the history of Germany, France and Italy. They were disastrous for Napoleon III and the Second Napoleonic Empire, but on the other hand, they proved highly encouraging to Italy and Germany.

1. The southern states of Germany had taken part in the war in support of Prussia. After the defeat of France at Sedan, these states were freed from the dominance of France. These states were included in the confederation of Germany.

The unification of Germany was completed. A federal constitution was framed. William I, the King of Prussia, was made the Emperor of the German Empire. His coronation was celebrated in the royal palace of Versailles on January 18, 1871.

2. The Franco-Prussian war also completed the unification of Italy. By 1866 all states of Italy had been united into one nation except Rome. This state was under the dominance of Pope. The French army had been staying there since 1849 for the assistance of Pope.

When the war broke out in 1870, Napoleon III called his army back to fight against Prussia. Victor Emmanuel, the king of Piedmont-Sardinia took the advantage of the opportunity and attacked Rome.

The army of Pope was defeated and Rome was captured by Victor Emmanuel. With this victory, the great work of the unification of Italy was completed. Rome became the capital of Italy.

3. The war proved to be the most disastrous in the history of France. The news of the downfall of Napoleon III at Sedan resounded throughout the world. On September 3, 1870 Napoleon III sent the message to Paris:

The army has been defeated and is captive, I myself am a prisoner.”

It meant that Napoleon III was no longer the head of the government of France. People began to shout: “Down with the Empire”, “Long Live the Republic”. The Second Napoleonic Empire was abolished and the Republican leaders proclaimed the Republic in France from the Hotel de Ville. It was called the Third Republic.

4. The treaty of Frankfort sowed the seeds of hostility and enmity between France and Germany. The provisions of the treaty were considerably humiliating to France.

It produced a feeling for avenging the insult in the hearts of the French. This treaty became the base of the foreign policy of Bismarck after 1871. No doubt, this hostility led to the First World War.

In this way, Bismarck completed the great work of the unification of Germany with his farsightedness, ability, and diplomacy. He proved that the problems of the country could be solved only by blood and iron.