How did the World React to the Unification of Germany? (Short Animated Documentary)

There was a time when Germany didn't exist. Then suddenly it did. So how did the world's great powers react to this change? To find out watch this short and simple animated history documentary.

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[lucasbarros]

“France can’t have nice things” as major British foreign policy always gets me

[khukri_wielderxxx]

"France had just lost a thing, which would never NOT be funny"

I love the humor on this channel 🤣

[mackenziemcinnis]

You know after both men had retired President Grant took a vacation to Europe with his wife where they spent some time in Germany. Otto Von Bismarck heard about this and sent a spontaneous invitation to Grant to come to his Berlin home. Grant in classic fashion upon receiving the invitation didn't hop in a spectacular carriage or bring an entourage of servants and guards but just grabbed his hat and jacket and walked there. According to the staff at Bismarck's home they got along spectacularly and spent several hours laughing, drinking, and swapping stories. What I would give to have been a fly on that wall.

[DeltaSith]

A note on the Austrian reaction: Austrians weren't just "concerned" that they might be invaded, Austrians were upset that Germany was formed and they weren't a part of it. The Imperial government of course wouldn't have wanted to cede power the Prussian emperor and join a unified Germany, but the Austrian people considered themselves German until the end of World War 2. Many people were saddened by the fact that they, as Germans, were excluded from Germany.

[Dalynx]

Otto Von Bismark giving birth to the German Empire in a hospital is the funniest thing I've seen today lmfao the creativity of this man is amazing

[mojewjewjew]

Initial reaction was very *positive* especially from the french, who definitely didn't try to destroy it for the next century.

[cernejr]

History tends to have distinct phases: When not much is going on and change is difficult to come about, and when things are moving very quickly. 1870 was definitely very interesting year, the tectonic plates shifted. Then they settled down for a few decades.

[davidmathews]

I literally just finished a major paper on the British Liberal party reaction. Definitely three of the major sticking points for concern for them was the annexation of territory that was largely French dominated (though they wholeheartedly supported taking of lands that were German dominated), the suggestion of taking of a French colony and also suggesting to take the French fleet in the treaty. One thing they definitely seemed hopeful for was a lasting peace in Europe held together by Germany, and more specifically Wilhelm I, something they would be concerned about after his death and also the failing health of Frederick.

[grugthecaveman]

Germany: *unifies*
USA, Italy, and Russia: “One of us! One of us!”

[johantolli]

"France losing a thing will never not be funny" True enough!

[sandwich]

"Bismark giving birth isn't real he cant hurt you"

Bismark giving birth: 0:09

[febrian]

"Why did the Italian Empire failed to become a great European power while the German Empire succeed" Would be a good question

[Nikki-txkh]

Victoria and Albert did a bit of trying to tie Germany politically with Britain by marrying their eldest daughter to the Prussian heir, Albert was aiming for a liberal Germany, but Bismarck quickly blocked any attempts from Vicky and Fritz to move their ideas around. Albert's idea was that Fritz would soon be king/ emperor (his dad was like 60+ back in the day) and with Vicky by his side, he would make Germany the best ally that Britain had ever had.

Joke's on Albert tho. He was dead within three years and Fritz's dad lived to be in his 90s and by the time he died, Fritz also was dying and only got to be Emperor for three months before Wilhelm, that WIlhelm, came to the throne and stuffed all up.

[jambudvipi]

0:50, British:
_”France had just lost a thing, which would never not be funny”_ LOL

[rob]

It's also worth realizing that for centuries France has been the #1 power on the European continent. By the unification of Germany it was relegated to the second place, literally overnight.
It's quite remarkable that something like that happened.

[dannyarcher]

_France had just lost a thing which would never not be funny._

Fact check: true.

[jpvansplunder]

Every "Fun fact" is surely to be followed by an iconic "no." Gotta love the consistancy

[angelb.]

"How did the Great Powers react to the Greek War of Independence?". Considering that it started after the end of the Napoleonic Wars and the following congress in Vienna regarding absolute rule and suppression of republican and revolutionary elements within the majority of the European countries, it would be pretty interesting to see the action taken by the Great Powers at that time, not to mention the Anglo-Franco intervention and the Russo-Turkish war in Greece during the Greek War of Independence.

[mustard]

I have a suggestion: “How did other European nations react to the partition of Poland-Lithuania?”

[smaguy]

"Now draw her giving a birth"

You really done it.