An analysis of the role of Otto Von Bismarck in the unification of Germany, particularly looking at the Second War of Schleswig, the Austro-Prussian War and the Franco-Prussian War.
Abstract This paper explores the processes by which Otto Von Bismarck engineered the unification of Germany between 1854 and 1885. It argues that Bismarck used three wars as the key stages in this process: the Second War of Schleswig, the Austro-Prussian War and the Franco-Prussian War. The paper also discusses the central role that Bismarck played in these conflicts, even where he did not actually initiate them.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Bismarck's Rise: The Plan Take Shape
The Second War of Schleswig and the Austro-Prussian War
The Franco-Prussian War and German Unification
Conclusion
From the Paper "One of the most fascinating aspects of the Second War of Schleswig was how Bismarck embarked upon the conflict against the opposition of most other German states, as expressed in the Diet's refusal to give Prussia a loan for the war. It was due to this deficiency that Bismarck entered into an alliance with Austria (Stern 40). In this analysis, this war is particularly significant as we can see in it a concrete example of how deftly Bismarck was pursuing his plan for Prussian dominance of Germany. From the perspective of the other German states, one historian notes, "their less flexible minds could never grasp that Bismarck harbored several alternatives, hoping to realize the most desirable one that political conditions would allow" (Stern 40)."
Abstract This paper discusses the nineteen year reign of Bismarck as Chancellor of Germany at the end of the nineteenth century. It looks at his domestic and foreign policies and how these affected Germany itself and also its position in the rest of Europe. The paper discusses the wars fought under Bismarck's rule and how he strove for German expansion. The writer concludes that during his rule Bismarck was considered great, but only after the end of the era, did people realize that his policies were not in Germany's best interest.
From the Paper "A great man, a great manipulator, Otto von Bismarck held the position of Chancellor in Germany for nineteen years. It was these years that saw such accolades bestowed upon him. It is true, he did do a number of admirable things, but it was not until the end of his term that people began to see the error in his ways. His alliance driven politics and ideas on colonialism were only appreciated when the short-term effect was considered: the long term effect was that Germany was held back by Bismarck and only truly flourished with his resignation."
Abstract This paper discusses Otto von Bismarck, the prime minister of Prussia from 1862?73 and 1873?90 and founder and first chancellor of the German Empire from 1871?90. It looks at how, having established the empire, Bismarck actively and skillfully pursued pacific policies in foreign affairs, succeeding in preserving the peace in Europe for about two decades. It examines the part he played in the eventual unification of Germany through his efforts to unify the country using nationalistic sentiment.
From the Paper "His biographers consistently report a background that would contribute to his sense of nationalism. For instance, at school he was exposed to German national sentiment. In G?ttingen he toyed briefly with the Burschenschaft, but objected to the "extravagance of their political views" and their unwillingness to "give satisfaction" by duelling. Further, his sense of German patriotism was limited to the "spirit of 1812," as the conservative nobility had understood it. "Most of the Junkers who went to war in 1812 did so to liberate German soil from the foreigner, not to unify Germany. hat men of this conviction wished was the solidarity of Germany's princes, rather than the sovereign union of its peoples" (Pflanze 1963:73). "
Abstract This paper critiques two books on the Franco-Prussian War: "From Bismarck to Adenauer" by Gordon A. Craig and "A Duel of Giants" by David Wetzel. The paper focuses on the diplomacy, the roles of Bismarck and Napoleon III and Bismark's stagecraft and his primary goal.
Tags:Bismarck, Napoleon, War, France, Prussia, Franco, Diplomacy
Abstract This paper examines how Bismarck has been described as the master statesman and the individual responsible for creating Germany by unifying a number of smaller political territories. It is argued that Bismarck was a political opportunist who caused division amongst his opponents in order to maintain the status quo and his position.
From the Paper "The legacies of influential leaders are often very controversial. This is especially true for leaders who unify countries. For example, The first Emperor of China Qin Shihuang was responsible for making China into a single country and creating the institutional framework used for almost two millennia. However, he was an enemy of popular Confucian scholars and a ruthless, authoritarian and cruel man1. The legacy of Otto von Bismarck is very similar to the legacy of Qin Shihuang."
Abstract This paper analyzes the way in which Bismarck conducted himself as a statesmen and how he managed to rule a very volatile area in the late 1800's. The writer examines his personal life and then moves on to how his foreign policies affected his power - with regard to wars, treaties and internal domestic stability.
From the Paper "Machiavelli was a man who was solely interested in how to be an effective ruler who has solid grasp over his subjects. Machiavelli knew that being moral and consistent was not the way to do this, and thus those things do not factor into his idea of how to rule effectively and it is also why, rightfully so, the name Machiavelli has become synonymous with crafty, shady, and power-hungry. Bismarck's ruling style was a great example of Machiavelli's theories being put into real life use and succeeding. He started a war with France just to increase his power; he would "seem" merciful in treaties and make his country "seem" powerful. He allied with Austria, only to crush them in a 7-week war, and he would stir up nationalistic feelings in his opponents? conquered territories simply to give him better position for attack. Bismarck was a man who thought of humans as tools and objects for his purposes."
Tags: germany, prince, prussia, rule, govern, Machiavelli, austria
Abstract This paper discusses how the German unification of 1871 occupies a significant place in the history of this great European power and how Otto Von Bismarck, once the prime minister of Prussia, is responsible for single-handedly engineering this unification through clever strategies and creative tactics. It gives a biography of his life and political career and shows how although he was one of those leaders who led Germany to glory, at the same time displayed some cruel traits. He cannot be considered a perfect ruler as he believed immensely in the powers of aristocracy and monarchy and thus wanted to rule Germany with an iron hand.
From the Paper "Whether we admire or despise this leader, one thing cannot change: he was the man solely responsible for first unification of Germany. Very few leaders have been able to attach such glorious victories and achievements to their name. He almost single-handedly devised a clever plan to crush his enemies in two vital wars, which resulted in unification of Northern and Southern German states and turned Germany into a mighty force. Though Bismarck certainly led to the unification of Germany, he cannot be considered a perfect ruler as he believed immensely in the powers of aristocracy and monarchy and thus wanted to rule Germany with an iron hand."
Tags: prussia, military, king, wilhelm, I, war, politics, parliament, austro-prussian, war
Abstract Discusses Otto von Bismarck's political goals. German nationalism and Prussian hegemony over the German states. His brilliant statesmanship. His early ambitions and principles. His role as Prussia's minister president and minister of foreign affairs. Impact of his "iron and blood" speech. His domestic and external concerns. Difficulties of unification.
From the Paper "Otto von Bismarck (1815-98) became Prussia's minister president and minister of foreign affairs in 1862. At the time he undoubtedly seemed like one of the last men who would preside over the unification of the German states--a goal associated with liberalism and nationalism but not with Junker aristocrats. But by 1871, due primarily to his diplomacy and his overwhelming pragmatism, this is what had happened. The "Iron Chancellor" was, however, famously difficult to read and it has long been debated whether he had any interest in German nationalism or if the entire effort simply disguised the desire for Prussian hegemony over the German states. Bismarck managed to cut off the Austrian rulers' hopes for leadership of a unified Great Germany and ensured that a "Bismarckian (Prusso-Little German) version of unification" won out (Hobsbawm 273). Did Bismarck have a grand ..."
Abstract This paper examines what America looks like to an outsider, and what it means to people from different countries of the world as a state, as a people, and as a geographic region. It considers liberty, equality and democracy from the perspective of immigrants and of other countries of the world. The country is also considered in light of the views of Plato, Voltaire, Bismarck and Marx.
From the Paper "Although the origins of the country has its roots in the European colonization of the Americas beginning in the 16th century, the ideals of the United States of America are wedded to the Declaration of Independence in which the founding fathers of the country have committed the nation to the concept of equality, democracy, and liberty. These are the principles from which all subsequent U.S. politics, forms of government, economic policies, and social trends have taken their lead. While incorporating these ideas in the declaration of independence and, later, the U.S. constitution the founding fathers of America were greatly influenced by the 17th century English philosopher, John Locke and his theories on politics. Locke's ideas of the supreme sovereignty of the people, their natural right of changing a government that does not work in their interest, separation of the church from the state, and rule of the majority are reflected in the American Declaration of Independence."
Abstract This paper discusses the people associated with this event. The author points out how this event influenced the world at the time. The paper looks at how this milestone continues to influence the world in the 21st century.
A book review of "Volume VI: History of U.S. Naval Operations in Work War II: Breaking the Bismarck's Barrier, 22 July 1942 to 1 May 1944" by Samuel Eliot Morison.
751 words (approx. 3 pages), 0 sources, 2004, $ 26.95
Abstract This paper briefly reviews this volume of history, which describes one of the greatest tactical victories in the Pacific theater of World War II, the drive to capture the Solomon Islands. It gives a brief biography of the author and explains why he had the capacity to tell the military and Navy details as he did.
From the Paper "This book is the sixth volume of a fifteen-volume series detailing all major U.S. Naval operations over the course of World War II. It is, like all volumes in the series, told from the U.S. military's perspective rather than from an objective or "distanced" perspective of a later historian. The author, Samuel Eliot Morison, was a Harvard professor at the time he was commissioned by President Roosevelt to reside aboard eleven different ships with the intent of witnessing battles in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and to record them for posterity. Morrison was part of the Navy as he recorded his observations. His work is thus a history "of the moment" rather than a reflective history, and it does not attempt to present both sides of the conflict, only the United States? perspective in detail, and the United States? choice of military tactics from a laudatory perspective."
Abstract This paper explores Bismarck's ideology, which was that Prussia must dominate the new Empire and that Prussia, ruled by the king, must remain unchanged and unchallenged, with the largely noble military bureaucratic caste in power. This was guaranteed by the three-class system of voting that maintained the ascendancy of the Prussian conservatives in the elected house of the Prussian Landtag."
From the Paper "The influence of German Romanticism upon Bismarck can be partially explored by consulting one of his letters written to Minister von Manteuffel in 1856 which demonstrates Bismarck's unwavering attitude toward the affairs of the German State. It is interesting to note that this letter contains not only a very poetic tone but also a great sense of human personality set against the realities of the world, a trait quite reminiscent of E.T.A. Hoffmann and his Germanic tales. Bismarck relates that "Because of the policy of Vienna. . . Germany is clearly too small. . . as long as an honorable arrangement. . . cannot be. . . carried out, we will both plough the same disputed ground. . . I wish only to express my conviction that. . . .we shall have to fight for our existence against Austria and that it is not within our power to avoid. . . since the course of events in Germany has no other solution" (Brandenburg, 457). These words truly echo the sentiments of a romanticist, for they conjure up images of Friedrich von Schlegel, for Bismarck is speaking as if Prussia was a living entity with a ?spirit, soul, and body.? The shadow of Goethe is also present, due to Bismarck putting forth the suggestion that he is a non-conformist when it comes to the future and existence of his beloved German State."
Abstract This paper discusses the process that led to political unification of 19th century Italy and Germany. The paper explains that Italy was dominated and influenced by the personalities of politicians Camillo Cavour, Mazzini, and the revolutionary Garibaldi, while Germany's political situation was shaped by King William I of Prussia and by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. The paper elaborates on the national efforts made by each of these personalities.
From the Paper "The national sentiment was developing at the time, so the need for a unified state for each nation was evident. Piedmont and Prussia had the historical role of coagulating the Italian and the German nations around their power, the latter being considerably influenced by the former. According to an author, "two separate stories intertwine: on the one hand, the new nation-states, Italy and Germany, took shape; on the other, a significant adjustment took place in the relation between politics and culture. Challenging the legitimate, dynastic authority, and doing so in a historical context where the mobilization of public opinion has taken on new importance, the new political order derived its legitimacy from cultural claims; and culture in turn found its erstwhile apolitical status -- the aestheticized Italy of the unpolitical Germans -growing increasingly untenable.""
Tags: camillo, cavour, mazzini, garibaldi, otto, von, bismarck
Abstract The paper is a historical examination into the German national movement that began after the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. The desire for unity among the German states, mainly between Prussia and Austria, would eventually be a main reason for World War I and World War II. This in the desire to see a Greater Germany exist as the competing power in Europe by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as an opposition to English, French and Russian domination of the continent. The paper is divided up into three main parts. The first section gives a history of the Napoleonic Wars and the growing concept of nationalism in the German states under Napoleon. It was this hope for unity that helped push the French back and convince the world that German unity was in the best interest as a buffer to further French aggression. The second part of the paper deals with the unification of the German states and the problems and progress that existed from the time of 1815-1870. The growing industrial movement is heavily discussed as being the backbone to the new German Confederation of states. The rivalry that existed between Austria and Prussia, which eventually splintered Austria from the Confederation, is also discussed and how the German nation became stronger due to a more powerful Prussian influence. A complete investigation into German culture, economics and military system of the 19th century is given in this section in a very detailed manner. Repeated sources from English observers and German politicians give an insight into how Germany began to grow as a European power during the middle 19th century. A huge part of this section deals with the German economy and their desire to match England in terms of economic dominance of Europe. The German economic system is examined, run by a harsh yet amazingly efficient centralized government that maximizes output and production from its workers. Finally, the last section deals with the establishment of the German Empire, and how nationalism completely took over Germany as the predominant unifying factor of the German people. The Franco-Prussian War and the subsequent territorial grabs by Otto Von Bismarck and Kaiser Wilhelm The First are discussed, right up until the outbreak of World War I where Germany has officially taken its place as the predominant military and economic power on the continent.
From the Paper "Throughout the history of Europe, there have been numerous incidents in which a country will affect the entirety of the continent through political, economic or cultural means. These influences upon fellow European countries usually tended to be permanent changes, whether it was the religious division that came upon The Protestant split or The French Revolution's impact on neighboring countries. However, the one event that changed the course of European history and would eventually impact every European nation was the unification of the Germany city-states into a conglomerated country in 1815. Through this development of a united Germany at the Congress of Vienna, Europe would be forever changed and would be forced to compete with Germanic ideals that the new nation would sponsor as it began to build up a nationalistic Germany. What the European powers saw as a means of ending local rivalries and improving economic trade and prosperity to the former states of the Holy Roman Empire, the unification of the German people would taint any optimistic expectations of peaceful coexistence in Europe for the latter half of the 19th century and would take on much more dangerous and bloody connotations as the 20th century unfolded. The united country of Germany, through a series of beliefs and practices that each German citizen began to trust while the country was building itself in the 19th century, would become one of the most dominant and influential nations in European history. These principles were the strong nationalistic feelings that came from the pride and love of what it was to be German, the growing industrial practices that began to be developed in German economic production, and the emphasis on military dignity and strength of the army, coupled with the German tendency to give powerful prominence to German military leaders, would become grounds for building a nation that would tower over the European political environment for years."
A statistical comparison of the crime indices of burglary in the Bismarck North Dakota Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) to that of the Macon Georgia MSA.
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the crime indices of burglary in the Bismarck North Dakota Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) to that of the Macon Georgia MSA as reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in its annual "Crime in the United States" publication. It then discusses some of the factors that may contribute to the disparity between the two MSA.
From the Paper "The rate of burglary was highest in Macon in this comparison. The rate for 2005 was 1,383.2 per 100,000. The rates for 2000 and 1995 were 1,235.4 and 1,104.0 respectively. There was one statistical change made in the sampling from 2000 to 2005. The metropolitan statistic area was revised. For the 1995 and 2000 reports Macon included Bibb, Houston, Jones, Peach and Twiggs counties. For the 2005 report, Houston and Peach were replaced with Crawford and Monroe counties. This had an effect on the overall population reported for the MSA. The 1995 population was 313,771, 2000 was 338,029 but 2005 the population was reported as 234,455. The later number must be disregarded when assuming a slowly increasing population trend. The trends are contrasted to the Bismarck data."
