Otto von Bismarck and His Impact on Germany and Europe

As we all learned in history class, Germany lagged behind in establishing its internal unity, which hindered its representation in the colonial race and European power balance. The architect of the formation of the German Empire was Otto Von Bismarck.

Otto Von Bismarck was born in Prussia in 1815 to an aristocratic family. He played a crucial role in regulating the political pressure in Europe during the latter half of the 19th century, ensuring a generation lived in peace. His diplomatic skills were instrumental in shaping Germany's path to its present state. He earned the nickname "Iron Chancellor" due to his declaration in his first speech in parliament in 1862 that he would unite Germany with "blood and iron."

Bismarck initially pursued a career in civil service but soon resigned, feeling it wasn't the right fit for him. After managing his father's estates for a period, he entered into marriage, and embracing Lutheranism brought significant changes to his life. He later began serving in the parliament, quickly rising as an uncompromising conservative staunchly in favor of the monarchy. In 1851, King Wilhelm sent him as the representative of the German Confederation to the Prussian Assembly. After diplomatic stints in Russia and France, Bismarck returned to Prussia. The king brought Otto Von Bismarck in as the Prime Minister.

However, Bismarck harbored even greater ambitions. He sought to unite German principles under a single umbrella, with Prussia at its center, forming a German Empire. With Austria's support, he modernized the army and annexed a few cities from Denmark. In 1866, he defeated Austria, which had supported him earlier.

The defeat led to Austria's sidelining, and a North German Federation was established under Prussian control. However, the southern German states were not eager to join. Through strategic moves, Bismarck provoked France, causing turmoil. Feeling the imminent threat, the smaller states banded together in a German alliance, turning a new page in Europe by triumphing over the French. In 1871, the southern German cities unified under one roof, forming the German Empire with Berlin as its capital, known as the Second Reich.

The king was now not only the king of Prussia but also the emperor of the German Empire. Bismarck, who had orchestrated this rise, had gained the emperor's complete trust. Subsequently, Bismarck took charge of Germany's governance. To prevent France from seeking revenge, he diplomatically isolated the country. He formed a Three Emperors' League with Austria, Russia, and Hungary.

Bismarck played a mediating role when hostilities arose in the Balkans, as Russia initiated a war with the Ottoman Empire. He signed various agreements and alliances with Hungary, Italy, and England. In 1871, to prevent Catholicism from causing division within the empire, he curtailed the social and political influence of the church. He introduced the world's first health insurance and retirement system.

After King Wilhelm's death, the German Empire did not last long. Bismarck, who clashed with Emperor Wilhelm II, was forced to resign. The new emperor wanted to rule the empire solely. Bismarck's withdrawal led to Germany's aimless drift, and with an aggressive and orphaned politics, it stumbled into World War I. The nationalist forces that Bismarck had skillfully used to strengthen German consciousness ultimately, in the chaos after World War I, gave rise to the menace known as Nazism, which wreaked havoc on the world. In homage to Bismarck, the Nazis named a warship the Bismarck.

Bismarck's Achievements:

Bismarck prevented the occupation of Istanbul by the Russians and, upon entering politics, transformed the fragmented German people into an empire. He also established colonial dominance in many African countries, and with administrative reforms, he paved the way for Germany's progress. Among Otto Von Bismarck's achievements are the implementation of a common currency, the establishment of a central bank, the development of commercial and civil law in Germany, and the creation of the first social security system to ensure a steady and motivated workforce. Bismarck knew that in a potential war between a united France and Russia, Germany would be caught in the crossfire, so he established the Triple Alliance or the System of Alliances, which, despite changing members over the years, strengthened Germany militarily and politically, increasing its dominance.