d to nationalistic feelings in the countries that Napoleon had conquered. This became visible in the resistance of the Spanish and Prussians after Napoleon conquered them. Spain revolted because Napoleon took away the privileges of the nobles and made his brother, who the Spanish considered a foreigner, king. Similarly, during the War of Liberation, patriotic and nationalistic principles led Prussia to revolt against the French invasion. With great patriotism and nationalism, Prussia defeated France in1813. The Napoleonic Wars were not wars of nationalism, but were of one man's dream of being a conqueror.At another time in history, Bismarck was instrumental in the unification of Germany. It was his thirst for expansion and Prussian rule throughout Germany that drove him. It was during the unification of the southern states that nationalism played an essential role. With the help of Austria, Bismarcks first strike was at Denmark in 1864. Austria only joined in the hope that Schleswig and Holstein would not become part of Prussia. This was a catalyst for the Austro-Prussian war in 1866 that resulted in the defeat of Austria. In agreement, Prussia assumed territorial control over Schleswig and Holstein and other German states. Consequently, this led to the unification of the northern states, leaving Austria out of Prussian affairs and leaving Prussia as the premier power of Germany. In achieving this success, Bismarck disregarded parliamentary powers that left him a hated man by many liberals. Bismarck's actions illustrate that nationalism was not a factor, but instead it was his desire to expand Prussian territory at any cost. Bismarck used nationalism as an important tool in completing the unification. Using the vacant Spanish throne, Bismarck forged a telegram, insinuating that Napoleon and King William had insulted each other. (Perry, 404) This led to high feelings of Nationalism throughout Germany, and led to a confrontation betwee...
