Otto von Bismark Quotes - 1 quote

Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898) was a prominent Prussian statesman who played a crucial role in the unification of Germany. Born on April 1, 1815, in Schönhausen, Prussia, Bismarck came from a noble family. He studied law at the University of Göttingen and the University of Berlin before entering the Prussian civil service. Bismarck's political career began in earnest when he was appointed Prime Minister of Prussia in 1862. He is best known for his policy of Realpolitik, a pragmatic approach to politics focused on practical objectives rather than ideological principles. Through a series of wars against Denmark, Austria, and France, Bismarck successfully unified the German states under Prussian leadership, culminating in the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871. As the first Chancellor of the German Empire, Bismarck implemented significant domestic policies, including the establishment of the first modern welfare state. He also maintained a complex system of alliances to preserve peace in Europe, known as the Bismarckian System. Despite his successes, Bismarck's authoritarian style and conflicts with Emperor Wilhelm II led to his resignation in 1890. Bismarck spent his final years writing his memoirs and reflecting on his political career. He passed away on July 30, 1898, in Friedrichsruh, near Hamburg.