North German Confederation

Wappen Deutscher Bund

Schleswig Arms

NB 1866-1871.99

Chart Constitution of the North German Confederation 1867 EN

KonstsitNDBT

North German Confederation (Norddeutscher Bund) was a federal state that existed from 1867 to 1871. It comprised 22 constituent states of northern Germany and was the first modern German nation-state. The Confederation was led by the Kingdom of Prussia, with Otto von Bismarck serving as its Chancellor. The formation of the North German Confederation marked a significant step towards the unification of Germany, which was completed in 1871 with the establishment of the German Empire.

Formation

The North German Confederation was established following the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, in which Prussia defeated Austria and its allies. The victory allowed Prussia to annex several smaller German states and exclude Austria from German affairs, paving the way for the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership. The Confederation's constitution, largely drafted by Bismarck, was adopted on April 16, 1867.

Constitution and Government

The constitution of the North German Confederation created a federal state with a bicameral legislature. The lower house, or Reichstag, was elected by universal male suffrage, while the upper house, the Bundesrat, represented the constituent states. Executive power was vested in the Prussian king, who also held the title of President of the Confederation. Bismarck, as Chancellor, was responsible for the federal government's day-to-day operations.

Foreign Policy and Military

Under Bismarck's leadership, the North German Confederation pursued a cautious foreign policy aimed at isolating France and preventing it from forming alliances against Prussia. The Confederation also established a common military structure, with troops contributed by the member states but under Prussian control. This military alliance played a crucial role in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, which led to the defeat of France and the proclamation of the German Empire.

Economic and Legal Systems

The North German Confederation implemented several reforms that laid the groundwork for a unified German economy. These included the introduction of a common currency, the Mark, and the establishment of a customs union that facilitated free trade among the member states. The Confederation also began the process of standardizing laws and regulations across Germany.

Legacy

The North German Confederation is considered a critical step in the process of German unification. It established the institutional framework that would be carried over into the German Empire, including the constitution's basic structure and the military and economic policies. The Confederation's success in integrating the northern German states under Prussian leadership set the stage for the inclusion of the southern German states, which joined after the Franco-Prussian War to form the German Empire in 1871.