Lesson Plan

• Describe the sequence of wars and political events that led to German unification (1848‑1871).
• Explain Bismarck’s use of Realpolitik and his role in shaping the unification process.
• Compare the political structure of the German Empire with that of the earlier North German Confederation.
• Analyse the economic and social impacts of unification on German society.

• Projector and PowerPoint slides
• Printed timeline handout
• Map of German states (pre‑ and post‑unification)
• Primary‑source excerpts (Bismarck speeches)
• Worksheet with assessment questions
• Whiteboard and markers

Begin with the question, “What would it feel like to hear a new empire proclaimed in a foreign palace?” Connect this to students’ prior knowledge of the 1848 revolutions and the shifting balance of power in Europe. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify the key wars, describe Bismarck’s strategies, and evaluate the impacts of unification.

1. Do‑now (5') – Quick quiz on the 1848 revolutions and nationalist ideas.
2. Mini‑lecture with timeline slides (10') – Overview of the five decisive wars and the 1871 proclamation.
3. Primary‑source analysis (10') – Small groups examine a Bismarck speech to identify Realpolitik tactics.
4. Map activity (8') – Students label territorial changes after each war on a blank map.
5. Guided discussion (7') – Compare the North German Confederation’s structure with that of the German Empire.
6. Impact brainstorm (5') – Whole‑class list of economic and social consequences of unification.
7. Exit ticket (5') – Answer one assessment question (e.g., “How did the Franco‑Prussian War alter the European balance of power?”).

Recap the sequence of wars, Bismarck’s Realpolitik, and the new imperial structure. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a short homework: write a paragraph explaining how German unification set the stage for later conflicts in Europe.