Relations to Germany's immediate neighbors during the 18th-19th Century

    One of the most important relationships during these centuries for Germany was their relationship with France.  In the 18th century the rise of Prussia as a new German Power started the Diplomatic Revolution which is also known as the "great changes of partners." During this time it started with Britain and Austria vs. France and Russia which then became France and Austria vs. Britain and Russia during the Diplomatic Revolution.

     France and Germanys relations have had three grand periods: Heredity Enmity, Reconciliation (1945-1963), start of the special relationship known as the Franco-German Friendship in 1963. The heredity enmity was the idea of unavoidably hostile relations between the French and Germany that was finally overcome after world war II. For the EU the cooperation between the two countries reached coordination and collaboration. France and Germany are known as the core countries and most enthusiastic for the further integration of the EU. 

    During the first half of the 19th century Germans looked for unification of the states, and the nationalist movement believed that a unified Germany would allow them to replace France as the dominant land power in Europe. The Unification of Germany was triggered by the Franco German War, and the Germany was viewed as the ones who replaced the leading power of France. Germany was finally unified in 1862 after the France -Prussian War.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France%E2%80%93Germany_relations#Nineteenth_century