jan 1, 1871 - Bismarck's forces defeat the French once for all, with Austria staying out of the war due to the generous matter in which it was treated by Prussia in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War. Bismarck punishes France for its loss, charging 5 billion francs and taking Alsace and Lorraine from France. Finally, the unification of Germany was complete, with the south region joining the north at last, all the result of a shrewd war fought at Bismarck's behest (Timeline)