Prince Leopold, a relative of Prussian ruler, was invited to sit on the throne of Spain. This would naturally increase Prussia’s influence and prestige. On the other hand, there was intense opposition to this in France. It was evident that Leopold’s abscent to Spanish throne would enhance Prussia’s power and pose a grare threat to the security of France. French ambassador met Wilhem at a place named Ames and asked him not to put Leopold on Spain’s throne. The French ambassador also asked Wilhem to promise not to do so in the future.
The description of this conversation was received by Bismarck through telegram. Bismarck exhibited diplomacy and published the message. This had the same effect as Bismarck desired. France and Prussia both took this publicity as their insult. War began between Prussia and France on July 15,1870. The decisive battle was fought at Sedan on September 1,1870. In this battle, the Prussian General Von Moltke defeated the French army.
Napoleon III surrendered himself along with 8,300 soldiers. Emperor Wilhem was coronated at the Versailles Palace on January 18, 1871 as ruler of Germany. As a result, the treaty of Frankfurt was signed on 26 February 1871.
Results of the Treaty of Frankfurt:
- This treaty completed Germany’s unification and established a powerful nation under the leadership of Prussia.
- The post-war treaty compelled France to hand over the industrial regions of Alsace and Lorraine to Germany. This further accelerated Germany’s industrial development.
- The blow to France’ prestige in this treaty laid the foundation of the First World War.
- The secret treaties which Bismarck had forged to unify Germany were now about to change the political future of Europe. Bismarck made a mark in the world as an able politician and expert diplomat.
- France was imposed a war indemnity of 20 crore pounds. It was also decided that till the time France paid up the amount, the German army would stay in France on France expense. This wa an outright insult to France.
- Italy took control over Rome because of this war. Along with Germany, the unification of Italy was also completed.