Dajana Kujaca

INT 201
Professor Gott
18 October 2013
The Best for Bavaria
March 15, 1871
My Dearest King,
I forsee you have a challenging decision on your hands. I believe whatever path you
choose will be the best for this great country. If I may state my input sir on behalf of the future of
Bavaria, although you may not agree in terms with what I say is, I need to tell you my belief. It is
sometimes best to get others opinions before a drastic decision is made. I am honored that you
have summoned my opinion and forever I will be grateful. My lord, I truly believe it is time to
unify with Prussia.
One must look at the biggest picture of all, the people of Germany, they need additional
leaders to support and unify them. You are doing all you can my king, but tensions are rising
with the North and South. I remember my days as a student! How everything seemed so much
simpler, it was only the German Confederation in charge. Austria allowed for the creation of the
Confederation with Prussian support. Now the two countries are enemies, who knew that things
would be different today. Even back then my majesty, Austria needed support from Prussia, it
was never able to stand on its own. Prussia was and always will be helping countries in need, no
doubt in my mind about that. The religious differences between North and South Bavaria have

become apparent over the decade. The Prussians already have converted North Bavaria to be
Protestant, but I heard through the grapevine that Bismarck will allow us to keep our religion.
What great news! Prussia understands that Religion is important to us and will obey by their
promise. The difference between a Bavarian and a German is quite absurd. There is a difference
now? We all come from the same country; I did not know we must need a label. To me a
German was the broader term of a Bavarian; I identify myself as a German- Bavarian. That
distinction never became apparent when I was in school and sorry to criticize your rule my great,
but you did not do anything toexploit unity with the thirty-nine states. I see Prussians bragging
about their nationality, it is time we do the same.
Prussia is needed to be on our great countries side to help us thrive economically,
politically, and geographically. Would you not like to see Bavaria reach its full potential?
Economically my sir, Bavaria needs industry. The competition with France, the Americas, and
all the other countries is getting vigorous agriculturally. Our citizens can only work so hard until
it seems the work is not appreciated. Unifying with Prussia opens more trade opportunities.
Prussia has the Baltic Sea for transport and communication within other countries. If we choose
to not unify, be forewarned, the citizens will stop working and not only will there be no Bavarian
economy but German economy as well. If there is no economy then takeover is inevitable.
We are already in a vulnerable location in between Prussia, Austria, and France.
Remember when France attacked us? Prussia was the only country to help us. We already have a
loyalty that will not be hard to find. Prussia has many allies that we could use to enhance the
lives of our citizens and imagine all the opportunities it could bring. There are many possibilities
with the unification of Prussia that it would be shame to pass this opportunity upon us. Please my

noblest king, consider what I have said to you. I beg you for the unification with Prussia, if we
do not do it now; I fear it will be too late.
Your Most Valiant Servant

The Best for Bavaria

Commentary:
Never underestimate a small country to be weak. The smaller the country, the bigger the
threat--Bavaria is no exception. Bavaria is an asset to France, Austria, and Prussia, but it has the
option to unify with one of the three countries or declare sovereignty. Through 1816 to 1871, the
political and cultural events that altered the ideology of North and South Bavaria leads me to
believe Bavaria should unify with Prussia to maximize all its possibilities to become a stronger
nation.
In 1816, the German Confederation emerges under Ferdinand I to organize the thirty-nine
German states in hopes of one unified state (Encyclopedia Britannica). This is the first of many
attempts to unify Bavaria with its German equals. Germany is in Central Europe with many
nation states, the most prominent Bavaria. Bavarians are Germans that have their own state
within Germany. They see themselves as three distinct groups in Germany: Southern Bavarians,
Swab Bavarians and Francocians. Bavarians live in southern Germany, the Bavarian Swabs live
in the western area and the Franconians are in northern Germany (Minahan). Each nationality
sees their people as unique individuals and not part of a unified Bavaria. All three groups occupy
Germany but are located in the mountainous region by the Danube River in Central Europe
(Travel Guides Bavaria). The Bavarians spoke a dialect of High German, and a dialect of
German spoken in Switzerland and Austria. Religion causes a drift between the Bavarians. Most
were Roman Catholic, but the North was mostly Protestant, consisting of one-fifth of the
population. (Minahan). Location, language, and religion did not guarantee a cohesive
relationship within the different territories. As time progresses and territories change, different

versions of High German are spoken, and gradually religious tension emerge among Bavaria that
effect Germany. Since they are different states, regionalism and nationalism emerge in Bavaria.
The Bavarian culture lacks unification, and as a result, Germany becomes weak. If Germany
becomes weak so does Bavaria because Bavaria is a nation state within Germany. If Bavaria
unites with Prussia, better efforts will be made resolve the religious, language and location issues
to benefit Germany.
Due to weak leadership, there are tensions between the Bavarians in Germany. According
to Encyclopedia Britannica, Maximilian I ruled Bavaria from 1806 to 1825. During that time, he
was not interested in the needs for his citizens, he wanted to focus on independent governing. In
1818 he granted a liberal constitution to his people (Encyclopedia Britannica) and the new
parliament elected had proved to be more independent than Maximilian I initially intended.
Maximilian gives too much independence to his country therefore; the twenty-nine states never
understand unification due to the emergence of nationalism among the territories. King Ludwig
II obtains the throne at 18. Since he is so young, his interests include art and women rather than
being the ruler of a nation (Chapman-Huston). King Ludwig does not rule effectively, and when
he involves himself in the government, the German government accumulates debt due to his
extravagant spending. His character is not that of a powerful ruler. He is a quiet individual that
isolates himself in his castle while inadequately commanding the army. The flaws that
Maximilian and King Ludwig present cause a separation between the Bavarians (Goldman).
Germany lacks assertive leadership with its people and as a result, the country cannot feel
unified. Joining with Prussia, Germany will have leaders that are truly interested in the people,
not just the state.

Since many Prussians are of German descent, Prussia is willing to establish power and
unity for its German citizens and their own people residing in Bavaria. Prussia promises to
consider the Germans ideas in return for their support (Huber). Prussia sees themselves as
Germans and will do anything to unify with Germany. For example, they acknowledge all the
land from the German Confederation. Prussias view of Germany is that of an asset with both
countries benefitting. In addition, if Bavaria sides with Prussia, the unified country will get a
passionate leader named Otto von Bismarck. Bismarck solved economic and political conflicts
with Prussia and he is willing to do the same for Bavaria. In 1860, he manages to resolve conflict
between the crown and parliament by mediating both sides to agree on population expansion
(Fulbrook). Bismarck is a determined ruler that will try his best to resolve conflict within
Bavaria. His determination leads to the success of the Prussian army and can lead the Bavarian
army to success as well.
Meanwhile, another Bavarian ruler, Ludwig II is not interested in improving the
Bavarians army, resulting in a weak military (Chapman-Huston). Soldiers are deficit in proper
training, modern machines and equipment. This inability to build a powerful army causes the fall
of the Bavarian army. During the Austro-Prussia war, Bavaria is in the the middle of the
crossfire. With a feeble military, Bavaria cannot protect their themselves; however, Prussia
defends Bavarian land (Fulbrook). Prussias ability to help Bavaria shows that Prussia cares for
the Bavarian people and saw something in the country that could contribute to unifying Prussia.
The success to Prussias military is also leadership. Bismarck was successful from 1862 to 1871
when he led the invasion of Schleswig-Holstein. Schleswig-Holstein ends the Danish control in
Prussia. From that victory, he gains support from German nationalists in Prussia who are for
seeing the unification of Germany. He also defeats Austria in The Seven Weeks War. Victory

from The Seven Weeks War displays Prussia as the ultimate power (Fulbrook, 126-127).
Bismarcks firm rule results in Prussia being one of the top military nations of the nineteenth
century. Unlike Maximilian I and Ludwig II, Prussia has a leader who has the best intentions for
his country. Bismarck is a mediator, as well as a leader that no other nation threatens to
overthrow. If Bavaria unifies with Prussia it will not only have a firm leader to unify the country,
but a powerful, central army. A dominant army is essential for Bavaria because of its
compromising location.
Bavaria is located in the southeastern part of Germany, borders the Czech Republic in the
east and Austria in the South (Google Maps). France is in the west, Austria on the East, the
Slavic countries are southeast of Austria. It is apparent that Bavaria is stuck in between larger
and powerful countries. Since Bavaria does not have a threatening army, a potential attack on
Bavaria is likely because of its vital location. As relations with Austria and Prussia become
strained, the question remains who will control Germany. In 1866, France slowly comes in from
the west to conquer, and then Austria from the East, but Prussia defends Bavaria from the
potential attacks. Austria and France retreat because they do not want to start conflict with
Prussia (Hohenlohe-Schillingsfrst, Curtius, 168-173). There are many attempts to take over
Germany from the north, south, east and west, but the threat of going to war with the other
countries around Bavaria just for territory is not worth the potential conflict. It will be the best
decision if Bavaria unifies with Prussia because Prussia can protect Bavaria like it would itself
when a threat appears. That same year, Austria and Prussia split into independent nations and the
fight for power and land began.

Austria wants to expand its empire and decides to take land from Prussia because Prussia
is expanding faster than other central European countries. The war of Sadowa (Koniggratz)
breaks out between the two nations and Austria is defeated (The Unification of Germany 18641871). Before the defeat, many of the German states side with Austria, but soon realize that the
decision may not benefit them and end ties with the nation. The defeat of Austria by Prussia
shows another reason to why Bavaria should not unify with Prussia. Austria could not defend its
own country against Prussia, how will Austria be able to defend Germany? On the other hand,
Prussia once again proves to be a threat by defending its own country. Austrias punishment
includes exclusion from German affairs, while still keeping their land. This decision displays that
Prussia cares for its neighbors and wants to strengthen its relationship with its allies regardless of
past tension with a country. In return, Prussia will be able to help economically.
Economically, Bavaria is struggling. The country is in debt due to King Ludwig IIs
lavish expenses and is never able to recover from his mistakes. Bavaria removes the Zollverein,
a trade barrier, and hopes a more open trade will help the economy (The Unification of Germany
1864-1871). Unfortunately, since Bavaria is by the Alps, farming is the main source of income
for families while industrialization is not the priority. Peasants in Bavaria feel a connection to
their land because their family history and the peasants own time and effort is implanted in the
dirt. (Bell, Jell-Bahlsen, 69). Many Bavarian farmers feel pride and devotion to their land
because their land marks different unified events for each family. Although there is a common
currency that connects the economy, farming is not a guarantee for a stable income. Most of the
German states are in competition with Russia, North America, and France for agricultural

exports (James). Unification with Prussia can improve the economic industry in Bavaria because
of additional trade opportunities available on Prussias ports.
The location of Prussia is an advantage to the Bavarians. Prussia extends west of
Russia to the borders of Germany and its coast aligning with The Baltic Sea (Google Maps).
Prussia trade markets are booming because of The Baltic Sea (Hamerow). The Baltic Sea allows
Prussia to trade and distribute goods easily since they control that area. Bavaria does not have
that luxury since there is no body of water connected to the country, only its neighboring states
(Minahan , 105). There would be unnecessary competition for ports for trade and because of that,
Bavaria should consider unifying with Prussia. In addition, Prussias ally is Russia. Bavaria
could also be an ally with two of the dominant countries in Eastern Europe and diminish French
aggression occurring within the country. With the possibility of the Bavarian economy
improving, it is likely that more citizens would be willing to move to the city and out of the
country to improve their life. All the endless economic possibilities are promising if Bavaria
unites with Prussia there would be less tension amongst the Bavarians.
Bavaria is a very diverse group of citizens with a similar language and different
religions causing nationalism within North and South Bavaria. Depending on which area a
Bavarian is from, the dialect of German is different, but overall the citizens are able to
communicate with each other. The tension with language is not as evident as the religious
differences. North Bavaria is mostly Protestant while south Bavaria is mostly Catholic.
Catholicism makes up most common type of the religion with seventy percent of the population
and the remaining twenty-six percent are Protestants. The Catholics were hesitant to unify with
Prussia while the Protestants felt it was the better choice. The question of unity kept emerging in

Bavaria between 1859 and 1863. Nationalism causes a belief that each state is better than the
other, and nationalism identifies with the attempted liberal movement. Prussian hegemony is
possibly to blame because of Prussias on going expansion through Western Europe and the
continuous expansion that Prussia experiences unifies the country as a one nation (Windell, 1516). Prussia emphasizes its willingness to do whatever it takes for the unification of Germany
(Howard). Differences will emerge with the Bavarian citizens, but the German states that make
up of Bavaria need to be united to survive the attacks and crises that may arise. The only country
able to unite all the ideological differences is Prussia. Ironically, Germany and Prussia have a
past supporting one another without being official allies.
During King Ludwig IIs rule, he became fascinated with art, music, literature and
architecture. One of his motivators in his life is Richard Wagner. Richard Wagner is a famous a
German composer that spent most his life in Prussia because of personal problems. In Prussia, he
lived in hiding, running from creditors from the debt he owed. Wagners influence on his
compositions includes the years he resided in Prussia and that is displayed in his work. Wagner
and Ludwig exchanged letters throughout his rule and finally Ludwig wanted to see Wagner in
person. He summoned Wagner, paid off his debt, and continued to encourage him to compose.
Wagner influenced Ludwig to be harmonious and gentle politically. It is believed that the reason
why Ludwig is not violent towards Prussia is due to the fact that Wagner is from Prussia,
becoming sympathetic toward his home country (Jaffe). Wagner influences Ludwig towards the
possibility of having an open relationship with Prussia. In addition, King Maximilian I of
Bavaria marries Princess Marie Ludovika Wilhelmina. Marie Ludovika Wilhelmina is from
Prussian descent and finds herself in Bavarian royalty. It is a recurring idea that Prussia and

Bavaria should unify. There were always signs of Prussian support and influence within Bavaria.
Both countries were loyal to each other without being allies and that bond is seen with the
support of The Franco-Prussian war.
The Franco-Prussian war begins in 1870 between France and Germany. Conflict arises

for the territory of Germany. France wants to expand and takeover Germany, but Prussia
fights for the right of the German people. Prussias vicious army and the help and support of
Germany won the war within the year (Jaffe). The Franco-Prussian war brought North and
South Bavaria together as a unified Germany. Both sides did not want to unify with France
and they came together to find for the common cause with Prussia. Prussia is able to bring
the North and South together but unified with Prussia, every state will be Germany. Most of
the countries that attempted to take over Bavaria did not expect Prussia as a support for
Bavaria. There was a mutual relationship between the two countries. Prussia was the only
country that did not attack Bavaria to gain land. They had the strongest ally relationship and
unification of the two countries can lead to success for both Bavaria and Prussia.
Bavaria has the potential to be a thriving nation but it needs the help of Prussia to
maximize its success. Many argue that Bavaria is better declaring sovereignty, but Bavaria is in
vulnerable position and splitting up the states into individual countries will be a precursor to war.
In addition, the option to unite with France or Austria does not exist because France and Austria
were the two countries that tried to invade Bavaria. Due to Prussias protection of Bavaria,
Austria and France were unsuccessful. No other country besides Prussia has a determined leader,
a powerful army, a developed loyal connection and the willingness to add new states to their

already expanding country. From the beginning, Prussia always declared an interest to help
Bavaria.
Granted that Bavaria has the option to unify with Austria, France, and Prussia or declare
sovereignty, I highly recommend Bavaria to unify with Prussia. To be identified as German or
Bavaria is hard to distinguish between the two. Bavaria is a nation within Germany surrounded
by citizens that speak similar but diverse languages and reside in different areas of Germany.
There are three nationalities that do not identify themselves solely as German or Bavarian.
Southern Bavarians reside in Southern Germany, Bavarian Swabs live in West Germany, and the
Franconians are in North Germany. The different Bavarian identities symbolize a problem that is
always present in Bavaria, the lack of unity within the state. As a result nationalism arises but
there will always be tension and Prussia can control it. Since there is no unity within the states,
Germany becomes weak. Unifying with Prussia will resolve religious, language, and location
tensions to benefit Bavaria which will also benefit Germany. This will be done by appointing
better leadership in the Bavarian government. The previous Kings, Maximilian II and Ludwig II
were not interested in the improvement of their country or its citizens. Maximilian gave
parliament too much independence, that he later regretted and Ludwig never became interested
in governing. Their inadequate rule causes separation between Bavaria because they never
emphasized the importance of unity. On the other hand, Prussia becomes a thriving nation
because of Otto von Bismarck. He is able to solve Prussias economic and political problems and
leads the Prussian army to many victories. He believes he could do the same for Bavaria. Bavaria
did not have a strong army because of King Ludwig IIs lack of interest. However, Prussia did
and would be able to help improve the Bavarian army. Prussia defeats Austria in the Sadowa
War and France in Franco-Prussia war and gains more support from the Bavarians. Unifying

with Prussia will help Bavaria economically as well, because of Prussias Baltic Sea location.
There will be more opportunity for trade and commerce, which will lower the debt that Bavaria
owes. Also Bavaria and Prussia have a history of supporting one another. King Ludwig II most
influential advisories is Richard Wagner, who spent most of his life in Prussia. It is believed that
the reason why Ludwig is not vigorous towards Prussia is because of Wagner and decedents of
Prussian blood were also royalty. In 1816 it is evident that Prussia wants Bavaria to unify with
an alliance and it be seen through 1871. The best choice is to unite with Prussia. Bavaria will be
unified, resulting in military, financial, and leadership success all because of one choice. Once
choice can change a life, Prussia can change life of a whole nation.
Group Analysis:
My group was great because we were each others support system while writing this
paper. If someone was confused in the group on what happened during a certain event, there was
always somebody in the group who knew the answer. My group helped me arrive at my
information by giving me ideas of sources where to begin my information. I helped my group by
answering any of their questions and contributing ideas to different theories of the paper. I also
researched which helped my group find certain information regarding the project.
I learned how valuable it is to work in a group. I would not have been able to do all the
research expected of me without the help of my group. It is also so great to see everybody in the
group supporting each other through the process of writing this paper. I did well on expressing
my views on what side my aristocrat should join, but next time I would like to put more effort
into my research. I did develop leadership skills and the ability to be confident to voice my
opinion without being criticized or judged. No, there were no leadership opportunities that I was

unable to seize upon there was no need for one leader in my group. Everyone in the group took
turns while talking and we each respected each others opinions and work that it was easy to take
turns being leaders. In future group I will just give a hundred percent every time we meet. I
think it is important not to rely on the group to do all the work because at the end of the day, it is
important to split the work because at the end of the day, I will be writing the paper not my
group. At the end I realized why the groups were so valuable for the next project there will be a
few changes in the way I do my research that will impact my group for the better.
The research process is long and tedious. I realized it is important to do research before
the paper, not during the writing process because it takes more time and effort. What I found
helpful is to take notes or use post it notecards to write down facts that were options to use in my
paper.
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