Otto Von Bismarck Research Paper

Otto Von Bismarck was an important figure and was born on April 1, 1815. He was appointed prime minister of Prussia as he was a supporter of King William I. Since the German Confederation was made out of thirty eight states, there was no unity. In 1848, people of the German Confederation wanted a unification, and so the Frankfurt Assembly attempted to create a constitution for a future unified Germany ; although it was unsuccessful. Due to this, Bismarck became well known for his part in the unifying Germany. He was also known for his use of “realpolitik’’ (Spielvogel 274) and it showed his pragmatic political views and choices. He focused on foreign affairs and knew that a strong military was needed in order to aid in his goal-to increase Prussia’s size and power. Later, as Bismarck became Chancellor, he created a …show more content…
In 1864, Austria had aided Prussia in claiming Schleswig and Holstein as the two states fought against Denmark for the territory. Bismarck then used political strategies in order war with the state of Austria. This was because Austria and Prussia both wanted Schleswig and Holstein. As Austria had lost the war against the allied forces of Italy and Prussia, Schleswig and Holstein became a part of the North German Confederation; a collection of states over the Main River. After, King William I-convinced by Bismarck-accepted a truce between Prussia with Austria. It was a wise move as Austria was a powerful neighboring state next to Prussia. In 1871, Southern German states were added to the North German Confederation as Prussia was a strong and powerful state. In 1870, Bismarck increased tensions with the French and succeeded as the Franco-Prussian war began in 1871. Due to a strong Prussian army, France had lost. Lorraine and Alsace became part of Prussia. German unification became successful and King William I became