The Franco-Prussian War

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  • Created by: mariam26
  • Created on: 18-01-21 16:27

The Franco-Prussian War

Causes

  • 1) France was threatened by Prussia and the whole balance of power in Europe (North German and South German Nations)
  • 2) Candidacy of Leopold of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen (PRUSSIAN PRINCE) to the throne of Spain
  • 3) France did not want an alliance between Prussia and Spain
  • 4) Leopold's candidacy withdrawn under French diplomatic pressure
  • 5) Otto von Bismarck provoked the French into declaring war by releasing a statement saying ok (as Wilhelm) but wording it to insult the French

Effects

  • Treaty of Frankfurt (May 1871) - the remaining South German Nations incorporated into the North German Nations
  • Prussia given the French territories (Alsace-Lorraine)
  • France had to pay reparations of 5000 million francs
  • Newly combined nations called the German Empire/German Reich
  • King Wilhelm becomes Kaiser of Germany

Overall summary

Significance of the Franco Prussian War - France had been humiliated by this very new country and were probably no longer seen as the dominant country in Europe.The consequence of the Franco-Prussian War that has the biggest implication on world affairs was the reparations of France. The reparations were one of the reasons as to why France joins WW1, as revenge on Germany for such high reparations. If Germany didn't give France such high reparations they might not have been so harsh in the Treaty of Versailles. 

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