By the 1860s the Kingdom of Prussia and the Austrian Empire were the two most powerful nations dominated by German-speaking elites. Both sought to expand their influence and territory. The Austrian Empire – like the Holy Roman Empire – was a multi-ethnic state, but German-speaking people there did not have an absolute numerical majority; the creation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was one result of the growing nationalism of other ethnicities especially the Hungarians. Prussia under Otto von Bismarck would ride on the coat-tails of nationalism to unite all of modern-day Germany. The German Empire ("Second Reich") was created in 1871 following the proclamation of Wilhelm I as head of a union of German-speaking states, while disregarding millions of its non-German subjects who desired self-determination from German rule.
By the 1860s the Kingdom of Prussia and the Austrian Empire were the two most powerful nations dominated by German - speaking elites . Both sought to expand their influence and territory . The Austrian Empire – like the Holy Roman Empire – was a multi - ethnic state , but German - speaking people there did not have an absolute numerical majority ; the creation of the Austro - Hungarian Empire was one result of the growing nationalism of other ethnicities especially the Hungarians . Prussia under Otto von Bismarck would ride on the coat - tails of nationalism to unite all of modern - day Germany . The German Empire ( " Second Reich " ) was created in 1871 following the proclamation of Wilhelm I as head of a union of German - speaking states , while disregarding millions of its non - German subjects who desired self - determination from German rule .
What were Prussia and Austria looking to expand?
What were Prussia and Austria looking to expand ?
influence and territory
influence and territory