Option A: Nineteenth century topic Why was there war between France and Prussia in 1870–71? Study the Background Information and the sources carefully, and then answer all parts of Question 1. Background Information By 1870 tensions between France and Prussia had been building for some time. Napoleon III was concerned about growing Prussian power as a result of its victory over Austria in 1866. Also, the two countries disagreed over who should become the next king of Spain. During this dispute Bismarck edited a telegram to make it seem as if the Prussian king, William I, had insulted the French. On 19 July 1870 war began between the two countries. How far was Prussia responsible for the war? SOURCE A The government of Napoleon III is unable to accept the proposal that a Prussian prince might become king of Spain. It would threaten the territorial security of France. Therefore, France must ask the King of Prussia for a guarantee that such an arrangement could not be carried out without the agreement of Napoleon III. Because the King of Prussia has refused to give this, the French government can only see Prussia's declaration as a threat to France and to the general balance of power in Europe. The French government has consequently decided to take steps to defend its honour. It considers itself, therefore, to be at war with Prussia. An official statement of the French government, 19 July 1870. SOURCE B The proposal that a German prince should be a candidate for the throne of Spain gives the hope of finding a guarantee for the orderly and peaceful government of Spain, a country that has undergone many hardships. It has become an excuse for France to find a cause of war which ignores the rights of the people of Spain to the blessings of peace. Germany in the past centuries has suffered silently such outrages on its rights and honour. When disunited, it did not know how strong it was. Today, when the Wars of Freedom have begun to draw Germany together, when the armaments of Germany no longer leave an opening to the enemy, Germany has the will and the power to resist renewed acts of French violence. The sword has been forced into our hand. We are supported by the unanimous will of the German governments of the South, as well as of the North. Our only aim is to create a lasting peace for Europe. The speech of William I of Prussia at the opening of the North German Parliament, 19 July 1870. SOURCE C [Figure 3] An American cartoon published in 1871. The caption read 'Who goes there?' – 'A friend'. The figure on the right is Napoleon III. SOURCE D [Figure 4] A French cartoon published in 1870 entitled 'The nightmare of Bismarck – Thank you!' SOURCE E During dinner with Generals Moltke and Roon, I read them a telegram that had come from His Majesty at Ems. They were so distressed they refused to eat or drink. My opinion was that war could be avoided only at the cost of the honour of Prussia. Therefore, I published the contents of the telegram but first deleted some words. This made the announcement appear more decisive. Moltke said, 'Now it has a different feel. In its original form, it sounded like a discussion. Now it is like a flourish of trumpets in answer to a challenge!' I said, 'If I immediately release this text it will really anger the French. We must fight if we do not want to act the part of the defeated without a battle. However, it is most important that we should be the ones attacked. French rudeness and sensitivity will bring this about if we announce to Europe that we are bravely meeting the public threats of France.' From Bismarck's memoirs, published in 1898. SOURCE F France has declared war against Prussia. It was completely unexpected. Whatever unfavourable impression of their character has been given by the French Emperor and government, no one thought they were capable of this. In all parts of Germany there is a united determination to punish this sin. The King arrived back from Ems last night looking as majestic as ever. He was sent loyal messages. I quote from one, 'French rudeness has insulted our honour and, without any reason, the peace of Prussia and Germany. We beg your majesty not to put down the sword until French insolence has been punished.' A report by a British journalist working in Berlin, July 1870. SOURCE G There is nothing in our attitude to annoy or alarm France. There is nothing to prevent peace for ten or fifteen years, by which time the French will have become accustomed to German unity. I told our generals earlier this year when they tried to prove to me that we must beat the French if we went to war then, 'I will still do all I can to prevent war; for you must remember, a war between near neighbours and old enemies, like France and Prussia, is only the first of at least six; and supposing we won all six, what should we have succeeded in doing? Why, in ruining France and most likely ourselves. Do you think a poor, starving, bankrupt neighbour is desirable? France buys largely from us, and sells many things we want. Is it in our interest to ruin it completely?' Bismarck giving an interview to a British journalist, September 1867.