AHC WI Germany united not Franco Prussian war

In otl the German empire was declared following the defeat of France. Could the empre (minus Alsarce and Lorraine) have happened without a war.

Might Franco Germany relaions be between normal and friendly?
 
In otl the German empire was declared following the defeat of France. Could the empre (minus Alsarce and Lorraine) have happened without a war.

Might Franco Germany relaions be between normal and friendly?

Unlikely.

German nationalism had a Francophobic streak thanks to France constantly kicking the smaller German states in line.

That same history would mean France would resent a United Germany countering it for continental dominance.
 
The Prussian King accepts the crown in 1848. France is unwilling to do something because they just overthrowed the king. Later Napoleon III makes himself emperor and due to the fact that he lived his early years in Germany follows a german friendly politic because Britain did somehow followed a anti French policy.
 
There are many possibilities to achieve thuis. The 48 revolution, the reform movement of the German Federation...

But a war against France or Russia seems to be very likely - this powers have to interest in a united Germany.
 
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