UNIFICATION PROCESS: GERMANY

Franco-Prussian war, 1970:

LUXEMBURG CRISIS:

Napoleon became concerned with Prussia's strength - controlling all these states
to allow France to gain strength and become one of Europe's powerful countries again, he demanded Luxemburg from the King of Holland
initially, Bismarck supported Napoleon but towards the end of 1866 he changed his mind
France became angered at this sudden change of heart
he caused further disturbances by fuelling demonstrations in Luxemburg

HOHENZOLLERN CANDITURE CRISIS:

in 1868, revolutions in Spain forced the Queen to flee leaving someone to take the throne
parliament suggested Leopold Hohenzollern February 1870
Leopold was related to the Prussian Royal family - cousin to William I
an interesting situation appered for Prussia at this moment:
- if Leopold accepted it would create a good alliance between Prussia and Spain
- however, it would be concerning for France with one big country on one side and another on the other because of this alliance
but, Leopold wasn't considering taking it up but Bismarck persuaded William I
Bismarck also made bribes to the Spanish government and put pressure on the Hohenzollern family
eventually, Leopold accepted
because of the possible new alliance between Prussia and Austria, France became concerned and sent the French ambassador, Count Benadetti, to talk with William I at Ems to warn him if Leopold went through with this canditure then there may be war

Ems Telegram:

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