Northern Germany Confederation year 1868 – 5 Kr. MNH stamp

Northern Germany Confederation year 1868 – 5 Kr. MNH stamp

The North German Confederation (Norddeutscher Bund) was a political entity that existed from 1867 to 1871. It was a precursor to the German Empire, which was established in 1871. Here are some key points about the North German Confederation:

1. Formation: The North German Confederation was formed in 1867 following the Austro-Prussian War (also known as the Seven Weeks’ War) between Prussia and Austria. The defeat of Austria led to the exclusion of Austria and its allies from the confederation.
2. Member States: The North German Confederation comprised the northern German states that were allied with Prussia. These included Prussia itself, as well as numerous smaller states such as Hanover, Saxony, Hesse-Kassel, and others. The southern German states remained outside the confederation.
3. Constitution: The confederation was governed by a constitution that established a federal structure with a bicameral parliament. The King of Prussia served as the President of the Confederation, but executive authority was vested in a Chancellor appointed by the king.
4. Military: One of the key features of the North German Confederation was its unified military command. The Prussian army served as the nucleus of the confederation’s armed forces, with other member states contributing troops and resources.
5. Economic Integration: The confederation pursued policies aimed at promoting economic unity and integration among its member states. This included the establishment of a customs union, which facilitated the free movement of goods and capital within the confederation.
6. Path to Unification: The creation of the North German Confederation was a significant step toward the eventual unification of Germany. It laid the groundwork for the formation of the German Empire in 1871 under the leadership of Prussia’s Chancellor Otto von Bismarck.