p. 762-767

The unification of Germany was by no means a certain event. There were many variables to prevent its occurrence: the diversity and traditional independence of the states, the reluctance of Europe to let a new, powerful state upset the balance of power, Austria fighting for influence and control in the same sphere. Bismarck's masterful planning and twisting of situations to his own advantage led him to a top-down approach. He started wars and played on people's fear and nationalism to create a Prussian empire; he brought states under a Prussian kaiser and government as a result of manipulating their fears about the balance of power. The southern German states chose to become a German Empire (under Prussian control) partly because they did not want to be invaded by France and partly because Bismarck had successfully appealed to their nationalism as offended Germans. With no Austria to protect them and the incentive to prevent France from upsetting the balance of power by "attacking" Prussia, the southern states let themselves be annexed into a Prussian empire, giving even more power to Bismarck.