BEGINNINGS
Germany Yearned for independence from other countries, But was fought over by Austria and Prussia. In 1818, a loose Confederation was formed, called the Zollverein. But the Zollverein excluded Austria, and was still largely controlled by Prussia, much to Austria's Dismay. Until the german revolutions in 1848, when an all-german parliament was formed in frankfurt, but the rivalry between Prussia and Austria, yet again, caused more problems. Prussia's king ended up being offered the crown to germany (Excluding Austria) as well, but refused, attempting and failing to create a liberal nation-state.
After the failed attempted at a unified nation-state, tension between Austria and Prussia only intensified, with Prussia blocking all of Austria's attempts to join the Zollverein, Which also found itself divided. Half of Germany envisioned a "Greater Germany", Which would include Austria as part of itself. But the other half saw nothing but conflict in the others vision, and looked for a "Lesser Germany", which left Austria out of its proceedings. Prussia clearly worked towards a 'lesser' Germany, so its indirect control over germany would be more clear. Whereas if austria joined the Zollverein, its control would not be guaranteed.
United with prussia
Prussia got the rule of germany after the Wars of unification. Three wars between 1864 and 1871, which led to Germanys independence and to rule by prussia. The Second Schleswig War, the Austro-Prussian War, and the Franco-Prussian War. A german nation state was formed in 1871 as a lesser germany,(not including austria), and the crown was handed to the king of Prussia.
Rule under Prussia was much different then before, Prussia now directly part of Germany rather then influencing it. German Nationalism now based itself on Prussian ideals. Along with Prussia, German nationalists now believed in a Conservative, Anti-Liberal, Anti-Christian country. Supporters of the German empire supported a land ruled by Prussian and Protestant cultural ways.
It partially based and identified itself with idelas of the old Teutonic Order, Which included Teutonic values of willpower, loyalty, honesty, and perseverance. Those who supported a "Greater" Germany before Prussia rule created the Los von Rom, the "Away from Rome", which preached for assimilation of Catholics into protestantism. About one-third of germans now believed for a greater Germany, but led by Prussia, and not Austria, as the Zollverein did. These people were called the Alldeutsche.
It partially based and identified itself with idelas of the old Teutonic Order, Which included Teutonic values of willpower, loyalty, honesty, and perseverance. Those who supported a "Greater" Germany before Prussia rule created the Los von Rom, the "Away from Rome", which preached for assimilation of Catholics into protestantism. About one-third of germans now believed for a greater Germany, but led by Prussia, and not Austria, as the Zollverein did. These people were called the Alldeutsche.
Part of the ideals promoted by the government was the German Empire asserting itself as a world dominance, competing with the U.K and France for world power. This outset eventually led to World War I.