Unification of Germany: From the German Confederation to the German Empire under Prussia, 1815-1871

Extract

[...] - Innovative Reforms in Criminal Law: abolition of the death penalty but introduced forced labor for life Faced with discontent over these brutal measures, Joseph II had to backtrack on certain reforms, especially in Italy and Belgium, which were very Catholic at the time. The most advanced religious measures were applied in strictly Austrian territories inhabited mainly by Germans. The modernization of the Austrian states will be lasting and explains that by the 19th century it remains a very great power that will continue to develop. [...]

[...] In addition to these classic causes, there are 2 specific elements that explain the trends of the dispersal of power in All and which also explain that these trends persisted after the MA for example, the situation in Spain with the large Iberian kingdoms that formed. Elements that reinforce territorialization : 1. The universalist policy of the emperors Throughout the entire MA, the Austaufen emperors were determined to maintain their dominations over northern Italy. Historians call this « the Italian mirages, they exhausted themselves controlling this northern Italy. They neglected German affairs (prosperity of the princes' autonomy) and multiplied concessions to mobilize the nobles in their fight. 2. [...]

[...] Only Bavaria resists these divisions but must separate from the territories to the south: present-day Austria. These principalities that appear distinguish themselves from the ancient tribes because they no longer rest on ethnic bases/ specific peoples, but are the result of historical events for example: concession contract of fief, combat . Legal consequence of this evolution : All these territories have inscribed themselves in the duration. While previously, each large region was governed by particular customs (Folk saying = right of the people). [...]

[...] At his death, he left an army composed of 80,000 men military monarchy - Political Order : Prussia is a centralized monarchy that remains absolute, conferring a very important power to the sovereign. However, in the second half of the 18th century, the most famous king of Prussia is Frederick II, who ruled until 1786 and was a great enlightened despot. He seeks to modify the foundations of his power. He claims that his power is not based on divine right but on a contract between him and his subjects Rousseau's social contract. This secularization of the absolute monarchy does not prevent him from ruling without sharing in the kingdom. [...]

[...] - Juridique: legal influence after R is strong in western Germany (left bank of the Rhine) incorporated over a period of about 15 years by France and in the allied states to that one example: Bavaria. In these territories, the seigneurial regime is suppressed or attenuated; incorporation is forbidden; the freedom of worship is recognized; centralization and the prefectural system are introduced into the system. Revolution from the top where the leaders have accepted certain points of the Revolution that seemed interesting to them. In France, Revolution from the bottom therefore popular revolution. The Napoleonic Codes (civil, penal . ) exert a great attraction e.g. [...]