Why did Bavaria, a 100 Catholic State, Unite with Prussia?
Germany's unification process, led by Prussia, saw one of the most significant and contested moments in history: the annexation of a predominantly Catholic state, Bavaria, into a predominantly Protestant one. This unification was not only a political and military endeavor but also a deeply complex religious and cultural one. By examining the aftermath of the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 and the later Franco-Prussian War, we can understand the intricate reasons behind Bavaria's decision to join Prussia.
The Austro-Prussian War of 1866 and Its Aftermath
Following the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, Prussia emerged victorious, leading to the formation of the North German Confederation. One of the significant outcomes of this war was the exclusion of Austria from German unification, as Austria had previously been the leading Catholic German state. This marked a turning point in the religious landscape of Germany, with Catholic Bavaria no longer under the influence of Imperial Austria.
Belated Accusations and Territorial Conflicts
Prussian chancellor Otto von Bismarck accused France of attempting to annex territories in the Palatinate and Luxembourg after the Prussian victory in the Austro-Prussian War. At the time, much of the former Palatinate was Bavarian territory. France was also unlikely to support Austria, as Bismarck and Napoleon III reportedly discussed France's potential neutrality in a war between Prussia and Austria. This strategy left Austria fighting an isolated war without major allies.
Bavaria's Religious Landscape and National Unity
Historically, Bavaria had been considered a "100 Catholic" state, given its religious practices. However, this categorization was no longer accurate. By the 1800s, Bavaria had annexed large Protestant areas in Franconia, Swabia, and the Palatinate. Similarly, Prussia, which was formerly an almost 100% Protestant state, had annexed significant Catholic areas during the partitions of Poland (late 1700s) and on the Rhine (during the time of Napoleon) and at the Vienna Congress in 1815.
These religious shifts and annexations blurred the lines between religious identity and political unity. Bismarck was keenly aware of Prussia's numerical advantage and the need for a united Germany. In his speech to the Reichstag on May 2, 1871, Bismarck highlighted the practical considerations behind Bavaria's decision to unite with Prussia:
Even on August 6, 1866, I was in the position to observe the French ambassador making his appearance to see me, to put it succinctly: to relinquish Mainz or to expect an immediate declaration of war. Naturally, I was not doubtful of the answer for a second. I answered him:
"Past Napoleon, Bavaria was no longer a 100% Catholic state, and the time for forcible conversions was long past."
Conclusion
The unification of Bavaria with Prussia was a complex intersection of political, military, and religious factors. While religious identity played a significant role, it was ultimately the pragmatic decision of Bavaria to align with a more powerful and united Prussia that ensured the success of German unification. This historic event set the stage for modern Germany as we know it today.