Otto Van Bismarck Research Paper
Otto Van Bismarck began his reign when he was appointed as the prime minister of Prussia in 1862 by King William I. At this point in time, Prussia was in a mediocre state of power, considerably inferior in comparison to its other surrounding nations. As Bismarck steps into his role as ruler, he had distinctive and clear goals for the rise of power of Prussia over the unification of Germany. His reign consisted of strategies that were effective in the manipulation of domestic and international politics and political parties (Merriman 663). Most significantly, his ability to satisfy both parties of nationalism and liberalism become a key factor in his successful ruling. Specifically, the unexpected victory of the Austro-Prussian war landed Bismarck
the unification of the North German confederation. The unification of these smaller independent states won over many liberals to Bismarck side, “some liberals [even] left the more hesitant progressive party and formed the Nationalistic National Liberal Party which supported Bismarck” (Merriman 668). After this success, Bismarck’s, “carefully planned diplomacy” (Merriman 668) lead to the Franco-Prussian War where Bismarck strategically influenced and converted other nations of power such as Italy, Russia, Austria, and Britain to exclude their support for France in the upcoming war. As a consequence, “France went alone to war against Prussia” (Merriman 668). France subsequently lost the war and Bismarck declared the annexation of Alsace and Lorraine with, “bolstered [support] by a surge of nationalist sentiment in the South German states” (Merriman 668). With this, the unification of Germany was officially established. As a result, the German empire and many of its citizens came to adapt to the new political structure and economic advantages of industrialism and a centralized state created by Bismarck (Merriman 669). In essence, Bismarck was able to efficiently integrate “economic liberalism to the goals of conservative nationalism,” (Merriman 669). Overall, his careful deliberation and meticulous planning over the unification of Germany rightfully earned him the title of being the Iron Chancellor.
the unification of the North German confederation. The unification of these smaller independent states won over many liberals to Bismarck side, “some liberals [even] left the more hesitant progressive party and formed the Nationalistic National Liberal Party which supported Bismarck” (Merriman 668). After this success, Bismarck’s, “carefully planned diplomacy” (Merriman 668) lead to the Franco-Prussian War where Bismarck strategically influenced and converted other nations of power such as Italy, Russia, Austria, and Britain to exclude their support for France in the upcoming war. As a consequence, “France went alone to war against Prussia” (Merriman 668). France subsequently lost the war and Bismarck declared the annexation of Alsace and Lorraine with, “bolstered [support] by a surge of nationalist sentiment in the South German states” (Merriman 668). With this, the unification of Germany was officially established. As a result, the German empire and many of its citizens came to adapt to the new political structure and economic advantages of industrialism and a centralized state created by Bismarck (Merriman 669). In essence, Bismarck was able to efficiently integrate “economic liberalism to the goals of conservative nationalism,” (Merriman 669). Overall, his careful deliberation and meticulous planning over the unification of Germany rightfully earned him the title of being the Iron Chancellor.