Otto von Bismarck is an iron chancellor with a human face. Otto Bismarck: biography, activities, quotes

For more than a century there have been fierce disputes about the personality and deeds of Otto von Bismarck. Attitudes towards this figure varied depending on historical era. It is said that in German school textbooks the assessment of Bismarck's role changed no less than six times.

Otto von Bismarck, 1826

Not surprisingly, both in Germany itself and in the world as a whole, the real Otto von Bismarck gave way to myth. The myth of Bismarck describes him as a hero or a tyrant, depending on what political views the mythmaker adheres to. The "Iron Chancellor" is often credited with words that he never uttered, while many of Bismarck's really important historical sayings are little known.

Otto von Bismarck was born on April 1, 1815 into a family of small estate nobles from the Brandenburg province of Prussia. The Bismarcks were Junkers, descendants of conquering knights who founded German settlements east of the Vistula, where Slavic tribes had previously lived.

Otto, even while studying at school, showed an interest in the history of world politics, military and peaceful cooperation various countries. The boy was going to choose the diplomatic path, as his parents wanted.

However, in his youth, Otto was not distinguished by diligence and discipline, preferring to spend a lot of time in entertainment with friends. This was especially evident in his university years, when the future chancellor not only took part in fun feasts, but also regularly fought in duels. Bismarck had 27 of those, and only one of them ended in failure for Otto - he was injured, a trace of which in the form of a scar on his cheek remained for life.

"Mad Junker"

After university, Otto von Bismarck tried to get a job in the diplomatic service, but was refused - his "riotous" reputation affected. As a result, Otto got a job in the civil service in the city of Aachen, recently included in Prussia, but after the death of his mother he was forced to take up the management of his own estates.

Here Bismarck, to the considerable surprise of those who knew him in his youth, showed prudence, showed excellent knowledge in economic matters and proved to be a very successful and zealous owner.

But youthful habits did not go away completely - the neighbors with whom he was in conflict gave Otto his first nickname, "Mad Junker".

The dream of a political career began to come true in 1847, when Otto von Bismarck became a member of the United Landtag of the Prussian Kingdom.

The middle of the 19th century was the time of revolutions in Europe. Liberals and socialists sought to expand the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.

Against this background, the appearance of a young politician with an extremely conservative attitude, but at the same time possessing undoubted oratorical skills, was a complete surprise.

The revolutionaries greeted Bismarck with hostility, but surrounded by the Prussian king, they noted an interesting politician who could benefit the crown in the future.

Mr. Ambassador

When the revolutionary winds in Europe subsided, Bismarck's dream finally came true - he found himself in the diplomatic service. The main goal of Prussia's foreign policy, according to Bismarck, during this period was to be the strengthening of the country's position as a center for the unification of German lands and free cities. The main obstacle to the implementation of such plans was Austria, which also sought to take control of the German lands.

That is why Bismarck believed that Prussian policy in Europe should be based on the need to contribute to the weakening of the role of Austria through various alliances.

In 1857, Otto von Bismarck was appointed Prussian ambassador to Russia. Years of work in St. Petersburg had a strong impact on Bismarck's subsequent attitude towards Russia. He was closely acquainted with Vice-Chancellor Alexander Gorchakov, who highly appreciated Bismarck's diplomatic talents.

Unlike many foreign diplomats working in Russia, past and present, Otto von Bismarck not only mastered the Russian language, but was able to understand the character and mentality of the people. It is from the time of work in St. Petersburg that Bismarck's famous warning about the inadmissibility of war with Russia for Germany, which will inevitably have disastrous consequences for the Germans themselves, will come out.

A new round of Otto von Bismarck's career took place after Wilhelm I ascended the Prussian throne in 1861.

The ensuing constitutional crisis, caused by disagreements between the king and the Landtag on the issue of expanding the military budget, forced William I to look for a figure capable of holding public policy"hard hand"

Such a figure was Otto von Bismarck, who at that time held the post of Prussian ambassador to France.

Empire according to Bismarck

The extremely conservative views of Bismarck made even Wilhelm I doubt such a choice. Nevertheless, on September 23, 1862, Otto von Bismarck was appointed head of the Prussian government.

In one of his first speeches, to the consternation of the liberals, Bismarck proclaimed the idea of uniting the lands around Prussia with "iron and blood."

In 1864, Prussia and Austria acted as allies in a war with Denmark over the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. Success in this war greatly strengthened the position of Prussia among the German states.

In 1866, the confrontation between Prussia and Austria for influence on the German states reached its climax and resulted in a war in which Italy took the side of Prussia.

The war ended with the crushing defeat of Austria, which finally lost its influence. As a result, in 1867, the federal formation of the North German Confederation was created, headed by Prussia.

The final completion of the unification of Germany was possible only with the accession of the South German states, which France sharply opposed.

If with Russia, concerned about the strengthening of Prussia, Bismarck managed to settle the issue through diplomacy, then the French emperor Napoleon III was determined to stop the creation of a new empire by force of arms.

The Franco-Prussian war that broke out in 1870 ended in complete disaster for both France and Napoleon III himself, who was captured after the battle of Sedan.

The last obstacle was removed, and on January 18, 1871, Otto von Bismarck proclaimed the creation of the Second Reich (German Empire), of which Wilhelm I became Kaiser.

January 1871 was Bismarck's major triumph.

There is no prophet in his own country...

His further activities were aimed at containing internal and external threats. Under the internal conservative, Bismarck meant the strengthening of the positions of the Social Democrats, under the external - attempts at revenge by France and Austria, as well as other European countries that joined them, fearing the strengthening of the German Empire.

The foreign policy of the "iron chancellor" went down in history as "Bismarck's system of alliances."

The main task of the agreements being concluded was to prevent the creation of powerful anti-German alliances in Europe, threatening the new empire with a war on two fronts.

To this end, Bismarck managed to successfully manage until his retirement, but his cautious policy began to irritate the German elite. The new empire wanted to take part in the redistribution of the world, for which it was ready to fight with everyone.

Bismarck declared that as long as he was Chancellor, there would be no colonial policy in Germany. However, even before his resignation, the first German colonies appeared in Africa and the Pacific, which indicated the fall of Bismarck's influence in Germany.

The "Iron Chancellor" began to interfere with a new generation of politicians who no longer dreamed of a united Germany, but of world domination.

The year 1888 went down in German history as the "Year of the Three Emperors". After the death of the 90-year-old Wilhelm I and his son, Frederick III, who suffered from throat cancer, the 29-year-old Wilhelm II, the grandson of the first emperor of the Second Reich, ascended the throne.

Then no one knew that Wilhelm II, rejecting all the advice and warnings of Bismarck, would drag Germany into the First world war, which will put an end to the empire created by the "iron chancellor".

In March 1890, the 75-year-old Bismarck was sent into an honorable retirement, and with him his policies also resigned. Just a few months later, Bismarck's main nightmare came true - France and Russia entered into a military alliance, which England then joined.

The "Iron Chancellor" passed away in 1898, not having seen how Germany rushes at full speed towards a suicidal war. The name of Bismarck during the First World War and at the beginning of the Second World War will be actively used in Germany for propaganda purposes.

But his warnings about the destructiveness of the war with Russia, about the nightmare of a "war on two fronts", will remain unclaimed.

The Germans paid a very high price for this selective memory of Bismarck.

Otto Bismarck is one of the most famous politicians of the 19th century. He had a significant impact on political life in Europe, developed a security system. He played a key role in the unification of the German peoples into a single national state. He was awarded many prizes and titles. Subsequently, historians and politicians will evaluate differently who created

The biography of the chancellor is still between representatives of various political movements. In this article, we will get to know her better.

Otto von Bismarck: a short biography. Childhood

Otto was born on April 1, 1815 in Pomerania. His family members were cadets. These are the descendants of medieval knights who received land for serving the king. The Bismarcks had a small estate and held various military and civil positions in the Prussian nomenklatura. By the standards of the German nobility of the 19th century, the family had rather modest resources.

Young Otto was sent to the Plaman school, where the students were tempered with hard physical exercises. The mother was an ardent Catholic and wanted her son to be brought up in strict norms of conservatism. By adolescence, Otto transferred to the gymnasium. There he did not prove himself to be a diligent student. He could not boast of success in his studies. But at the same time he read a lot and was interested in politics and history. He studied the features of the political structure of Russia and France. I even learned French. At the age of 15, Bismarck decides to commit himself to politics. But the mother, who was the head of the family, insists on studying in Göttingen. Law and jurisprudence were chosen as the direction. Young Otto was to become a Prussian diplomat.

Bismarck's behavior in Hannover, where he was trained, is legendary. He did not want to study law, so he preferred a wild life to learning. Like all the elite youth, he frequented entertainment venues and made many friends among the nobles. It was at this time that the hot-tempered nature of the future chancellor manifested itself. He often gets into skirmishes and disputes, which he prefers to resolve by a duel. According to the memoirs of university friends, in just a few years of his stay in Göttingen, Otto participated in 27 duels. As a lifelong memory of a turbulent youth, he had a scar on his cheek after one of these competitions.

Leaving the university

A luxurious life side by side with the children of aristocrats and politicians was beyond the means of the relatively modest Bismarck family. And the constant participation in troubles caused problems with the law and the leadership of the university. So, without receiving a diploma, Otto left for Berlin, where he entered another university. which he graduated in a year. After that, he decided to follow his mother's advice and become a diplomat. Each figure at that time was personally approved by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. After studying the Bismarck case and learning about his problems with the law in Hanover, he denied the young graduate a job.

After the collapse of hopes to become a diplomat, Otto works in Anchen, where he deals with small organizational issues. According to the memoirs of Bismarck himself, the work did not require significant efforts from him, and he could devote himself to self-development and recreation. But even in a new place, the future chancellor has problems with the law, so a few years later he enlists in the army. The military career did not last long. A year later, Bismarck's mother dies, and he is forced to return to Pomerania, where their family estate is located.

In Pomerania, Otto faces a number of difficulties. This is a real test for him. Managing a large estate requires a lot of effort. So Bismarck has to give up his student habits. Thanks to successful work, he significantly raises the status of the estate and increases his income. From a serene young man, he turns into a respected cadet. Nevertheless, the quick-tempered character continues to remind of itself. Neighbors nicknamed Otto "mad".

A few years later, Bismarck's sister Malvina arrives from Berlin. He is very close to her because of their common interests and outlook on life. Around the same time, he becomes an ardent Lutheran and reads the Bible every day. The future Chancellor is engaged to Johanna Puttkamer.

The beginning of the political path

In the 40s of the 19th century, a tough struggle for power between liberals and conservatives began in Prussia. To relieve tension, Kaiser Friedrich Wilhelm convenes the Landtag. Elections are held in local administrations. Otto decides to go into politics and without much effort becomes a deputy. From the first days in the Landtag, Bismarck gained fame. Newspapers write about him as "a rabid junker from Pomerania". He's pretty harsh on liberals. Composes whole articles of devastating criticism of Georg Fincke.

His speeches are quite expressive and inspiring, so that Bismarck quickly becomes a significant figure in the camp of conservatives.

Opposition to liberals

At this time, a serious crisis is brewing in the country. A series of revolutions is taking place in neighboring states. The liberals inspired by it are actively engaged in propaganda among the working and poor German population. There are frequent strikes and strikes. Against this background, food prices are constantly rising, unemployment is growing. As a result, a social crisis leads to a revolution. It was organized by the patriots together with the liberals, demanding from the king the adoption of a new Constitution and the unification of all German lands into one national state. Bismarck was very frightened of this revolution, he sends a letter to the king asking him to entrust him with an army campaign against Berlin. But Friedrich makes concessions and partially agrees with the demand of the rebels. As a result, bloodshed was avoided, and the reforms were not as radical as in France or Austria.

In response to the victory of the liberals, a camarilla is created - an organization of conservative reactionaries. Bismarck immediately enters into it and conducts active propaganda through. By agreement with the king, a military coup takes place in 1848, and the rightists regain their lost positions. But Frederick is in no hurry to empower his new allies, and Bismarck is effectively removed from power.

Conflict with Austria

At this time, the German lands were greatly fragmented into large and small principalities, which in one way or another depended on Austria and Prussia. These two states waged a constant struggle for the right to be considered the unifying center of the German nation. By the end of the 40s, there was a serious conflict over the Principality of Erfurt. Relations deteriorated sharply, rumors spread about a possible mobilization. Bismarck takes an active part in resolving the conflict, and he manages to insist on the signing of agreements with Austria in Olmütz, since, in his opinion, Prussia was unable to resolve the conflict by military means.

Bismarck believes that it is necessary to begin a long preparation for the destruction of Austrian dominance in the so-called German space.

For this, according to Otto, it is necessary to conclude an alliance with France and Russia. Therefore, with the beginning of the Crimean War, he actively campaigns not to enter into a conflict on the side of Austria. His efforts are bearing fruit: mobilization is not carried out, and the German states remain neutral. The king sees a future in the plans of the "mad junker" and sends him as an ambassador to France. After negotiations with Napoleon III, Bismarck is suddenly recalled from Paris and sent to Russia.

Otto in Russia

Contemporaries claim that the formation of the personality of the Iron Chancellor was greatly influenced by his stay in Russia, Otto Bismarck himself wrote about this. The biography of any diplomat includes a period of mastery. That is what Otto devoted himself to in St. Petersburg. In the capital, he spends a lot of time with Gorchakov, who was considered one of the most prominent diplomats of his time. Bismarck was impressed by the Russian state and traditions. He liked the policy pursued by the emperor, so he carefully studied Russian history. I even started learning Russian. A few years later he could already speak it fluently. "Language gives me the opportunity to understand the very way of thinking and logic of Russians," wrote Otto von Bismarck. The biography of the "mad" student and cadet brought notoriety to the diplomat and interfered with successful activities in many countries, but not in Russia. This is another reason why Otto liked our country.

In it, he saw an example for the development of the German state, since the Russians managed to unite the lands with an ethnically identical population, which was an old dream of the Germans. In addition to diplomatic contacts, Bismarck makes many personal connections.

But Bismarck's quotes about Russia cannot be called flattering: "Never trust Russians, for Russians don't even trust themselves"; "Russia is dangerous because of the meagerness of its needs."

Prime Minister

Gorchakov taught Otto the basics of an aggressive foreign policy, which was very necessary for Prussia. After the death of the king, the "mad junker" is sent to Paris as a diplomat. Before him is a serious task to prevent the restoration of the long-standing alliance of France and England. The new government in Paris, created after another revolution, was negative about the ardent conservative from Prussia.

But Bismarck managed to convince the French of the need for mutual cooperation with the Russian Empire and the German lands. The ambassador selected only trusted people for his team. Assistants selected candidates, then they were considered by Otto Bismarck himself. A short biography of the applicants was compiled by the secret police of the king.

Good luck in setting up international relations allowed Bismarck to become Prime Minister of Prussia. In this position, he won the true love of the people. Otto von Bismarck graced the front pages of German newspapers weekly. Politician quotes became popular far abroad. Such fame in the press is due to the Prime Minister's love for populist statements. For example, the words: "The great questions of the time are not decided by speeches and resolutions of the majority, but by iron and blood!" are still used on a par with similar statements of the rulers of ancient Rome. One of the most famous sayings of Otto von Bismarck: "Stupidity is a gift of God, but it should not be abused."

Territorial expansion of Prussia

Prussia has long set itself the goal of uniting all German lands into one state. For this, training was carried out not only in the foreign policy aspect, but also in the field of propaganda. The main rival in leadership and patronage over the German world was Austria. In 1866, relations with Denmark sharply escalated. Part of the kingdom was occupied by ethnic Germans. Under pressure from the nationalist part of the public, they began to demand the right to self-determination. At this time, Chancellor Otto Bismarck secured the full support of the king and received extended rights. The war with Denmark began. The Prussian troops occupied the territory of Holstein without any problems and divided it with Austria.

Because of these lands, a new conflict arose with a neighbor. The Habsburgs, who sat in Austria, were losing their positions in Europe after a series of revolutions and upheavals that overthrew the representatives of the dynasty in other countries. For 2 years after the Danish war, hostility between Austria and Prussia grew in the first trade blockades and political pressure began. But it soon became clear that a direct military clash could not be avoided. Both countries began to mobilize the population. Otto von Bismarck played a key role in the conflict. Briefly setting out his goals to the king, he immediately went to Italy to enlist her support. The Italians themselves also had claims to Austria, seeking to take possession of Venice. In 1866 the war began. The Prussian troops managed to quickly seize part of the territories and force the Habsburgs to sign a peace treaty on favorable terms.

Consolidation of lands

Now all the ways for the unification of the German lands were open. Prussia headed for the creation of a constitution for which Otto von Bismarck himself wrote. The chancellor's quotes about the unity of the German people gained popularity in the north of France. The growing influence of Prussia greatly worried the French. The Russian Empire also began to fearfully wait for what Otto von Bismarck would do, short biography which is described in the article. The history of Russian-Prussian relations during the reign of the Iron Chancellor is very revealing. The politician managed to assure Alexander II of his intention to cooperate with the Empire in the future.

But the French were not convinced of the same. As a result, another war began. A few years earlier, an army reform had been carried out in Prussia, as a result of which a regular army was created.

Military spending also increased. Thanks to this and the successful actions of the German generals, France suffered a number of major defeats. Napoleon III was captured. Paris was forced to make an agreement, losing a number of territories.

On the wave of triumph, the Second Reich is proclaimed, Wilhelm becomes emperor, and Otto Bismarck is his confidant. Quotes from Roman generals at the coronation gave the chancellor another nickname - "triumphant", since then he has often been depicted on a Roman chariot and with a wreath on his head.

Heritage

Constant wars and internal political squabbles seriously crippled the health of the politician. He went on vacation several times, but was forced to return due to a new crisis. Even after 65 years, he continued to take an active part in all the political processes of the country. Not a single meeting of the Landtag took place if Otto von Bismarck was not present. Interesting Facts about the life of the Chancellor are described below.

For 40 years in politics, he achieved tremendous success. Prussia expanded its territories and was able to seize superiority in the German space. Contacts were established with the Russian Empire and France. All these achievements would not have been possible without such a figure as Otto Bismarck. The photo of the chancellor in profile and in a combat helmet has become a kind of symbol of his uncompromisingly tough foreign and domestic policy.

Disputes around this person are still ongoing. But in Germany, everyone knows who Otto von Bismarck was - the iron chancellor. Why he was so nicknamed, there is no consensus. Either because of his quick temper, or because of his ruthlessness towards enemies. One way or another, he had a huge impact on world politics.

Bismarck began his morning with exercise and prayer.
During his stay in Russia, Otto learned to speak Russian.
In St. Petersburg, Bismarck was invited to participate in royal fun. This is bear hunting in the woods. The German even managed to kill several animals. But during the next sortie, the detachment got lost, and the diplomat received severe frostbite on his legs. Doctors predicted amputation, but nothing happened.
As a young man, Bismarck was an avid duelist. He took part in 27 duels and received a scar on his face in one of them.
Otto von Bismarck was once asked how he chose his profession. He replied: "I was destined by nature to become a diplomat: I was born on the first of April."

Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck is the most important German statesman and politician of the 19th century. His service had an important impact on the course of European history. He is considered the founder of the German Empire. For almost three decades he shaped Germany: from 1862 to 1873 as Prime Minister of Prussia, and from 1871 to 1890 as the first Chancellor of Germany.

Bismarck family

Otto was born on April 1, 1815 at the Schönhausen estate, on the outskirts of Brandenburg, north of Magdeburg, which was in the Prussian province of Saxony. His family, starting from the 14th century, belonged to the nobility, and many ancestors held high government posts in the kingdom of Prussia. Otto always remembered his father with love, considering him a modest person. In his youth, Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand served in the army and was demobilized with the rank of captain of the cavalry (captain). His mother, Louise Wilhelmina von Bismarck, née Mencken, was middle-class, heavily influenced by her father, reasonably rational and strong of character. Louise focused on raising her sons, but Bismarck, in his memoirs of childhood, did not describe the special tenderness that traditionally comes from mothers.

The marriage produced six children, three of his siblings died in childhood. They lived a relatively long life: an older brother, born in 1810, Otto himself, who was born fourth, and a sister born in 1827. A year after the birth, the family moved to the Prussian province of Pomerania, the town of Konarzewo, where the first years of the childhood of the future chancellor passed. Beloved sister Malvina and brother Bernard were born here. Otto's father inherited the Pomeranian estates from his cousin in 1816 and moved to Konarzewo. At that time the manor was a modest building with brick foundation and wooden walls. Information about the house was preserved thanks to the drawings of the elder brother, from which one can clearly see a simple two-story building with two short one-story wings on either side of the main entrance.

Childhood and youth

At the age of 7, Otto was sent to an elite private boarding school in , then he continued his education at the Graue Kloster gymnasium. At the age of seventeen, on May 10, 1832, he entered the law faculty of the University of Göttingen, where he spent just over a year. He took a leading place in the public life of students. From November 1833 he continued his studies at the University of Berlin. Education allowed him to engage in diplomacy, but at first he devoted several months to purely administrative work, after which he was transferred to the judicial field in the court of appeal. On the public service the young man did not work for long, since it seemed unthinkable and routine for him to observe strict discipline. He worked in 1836 as a government clerk in Aachen, and the following year in Potsdam. This is followed by a year of service as a volunteer in the Greifswald Rifle Battalion Guards. In 1839, together with his brother, he took over the management of the family estates in Pomerania after the death of his mother.

He returned to Konarzevo at the age of 24. In 1846, he first leased the estate, and then sold the property inherited from his father to his nephew Philip in 1868. The property remained with the von Bismarck family until 1945. The last owners were the brothers Klaus and Philipp, sons of Gottfried von Bismarck.

In 1844, after his sister's marriage, he went to live with his father in Schönhausen. As a passionate hunter and duelist, he gains a reputation as a "savage".

Carier start

After the death of his father, Otto and his brother take an active part in the life of the district. In 1846, he began working in an office in charge of the work of the dikes, which served as protection against flooding of the regions located on the Elbe. During these years he traveled extensively in England, France and Switzerland. The views inherited from his mother, his own broad outlook and a critical attitude towards everything, disposed him to free views with an extreme right bias. He quite original and actively defended the rights of the king and the Christian monarchy in the fight against liberalism. After the start of the revolution, Otto offered to bring peasants from Schönhausen to Berlin to protect the king from revolutionary movement. He did not take part in the meetings, but was actively involved in the formation of the Conservative Party alliance and was one of the founders of the Kreuz-Zeitung, which has since become the newspaper of the monarchist party in Prussia. In the parliament elected at the beginning of 1849, he became one of the sharpest speakers from among the representatives of the young nobility. He figured prominently in discussions about the new Prussian constitution, always defending the power of the king. His speeches were distinguished by a unique manner of debating, combined with originality. Otto understood that the party disputes were only power struggles between revolutionary forces and that no compromise was possible between these principles. A clear position on the foreign policy of the Prussian government was also known, in which he actively opposed plans to create an alliance that forced them to obey a single parliament. In 1850 he held a seat in the parliament of Erfurt, where he vehemently opposed the constitution created by the parliament, foreseeing that such a policy of the government would lead to a struggle against Austria, in which Prussia would be the loser. This position of Bismarck prompted the king in 1851 to appoint him first as the chief Prussian representative, and then as a minister in the Bundestag in Frankfurt am Main. This was a rather bold appointment, since Bismarck had no experience in diplomatic work.

Here he is trying to achieve equal rights for Prussia with Austria, lobbying for the recognition of the Bundestag and is a supporter of small German associations, without Austrian participation. During the eight years he spent in Frankfurt, he became an excellent understanding of politics, thanks to which he became an indispensable diplomat. However, the period he spent in Frankfurt was accompanied by important changes in political views. In June 1863, Bismarck published regulations governing freedom of the press and the crown prince publicly repudiated his father's ministerial policies.

Bismarck in the Russian Empire

During the Crimean War, he advocated an alliance with Russia. Bismarck was appointed Prussian ambassador to St. Petersburg, where he stayed from 1859 to 1862. Here he studied the experience of Russian diplomacy. By his own admission, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Gorchakov, is a great connoisseur of the art of diplomacy. During his time in Russia, Bismarck not only learned the language, but also developed a relationship with Alexander II and with the Empress Dowager, a Prussian princess.

During the first two years he had little influence on the Prussian government: the liberal ministers did not trust his opinion, and the regent was mortified by Bismarck's willingness to form an alliance with the Italians. The rift between King Wilhelm and the Liberal Party opened the way for Otto to power. Albrecht von Roon, who was appointed Minister of War in 1861, was an old friend of his, and thanks to him Bismarck was able to follow the state of affairs in Berlin. When a crisis arose in 1862 due to the refusal of parliament to vote on the allocation of funds necessary for the reorganization of the army, he was called to Berlin. The king still could not make up his mind to increase the role of Bismarck, but he clearly understood that Otto was the only person who had the courage and ability to fight against parliament.

After the death of Friedrich Wilhelm IV, his place on the throne was taken by regent Wilhelm I Friedrich Ludwig. When Bismarck left his post in the Russian Empire in 1862, the tsar offered him a position in the Russian service, but Bismarck refused.

In June 1862 he was appointed ambassador to Paris under Napoleon III. He studies in detail the school of French Bonapartism. In September, the king, on the advice of Roon, summoned Bismarck to Berlin and appointed him prime minister and foreign minister.

new field

Bismarck's main duty as minister was to support the king in the reorganization of the army. The dissatisfaction caused by his appointment was serious. His reputation as a peremptory ultra-conservative, reinforced by his first speech about the belief that the German question could not be settled only by speeches and parliamentary decisions, but only by blood and iron, increased the fears of the opposition. There can be no doubt about his determination to bring to an end the long struggle for the supremacy of the House of Hohenzollern Elector dynasty over the Habsburgs. However, two unforeseen events completely changed the situation in Europe and forced the confrontation to be postponed for three years. The first was an outbreak of rebellion in Poland. Bismarck, heir to the old Prussian traditions, mindful of the contribution of the Poles to the greatness of Prussia, offered his help to the tsar. By this he placed himself in opposition to Western Europe. As a political dividend, there was the gratitude of the tsar and the support of Russia. Even more serious were the difficulties that arose in Denmark. Bismarck was again forced to confront national sentiment.

German unification

Through the efforts of Bismarck's political will, the North German Confederation was founded by 1867.

The North German Confederation included:

Kingdom of Prussia,
Kingdom of Saxony,
Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin,
Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz,
Grand Duchy of Oldenburg
Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach,
Duchy of Saxe-Altenburg,
Duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha,
Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen,
Duchy of Brunswick,
Duchy of Anhalt,
Principality of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen,
Principality of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt,
Principality of Reiss-Greutz,
Principality of Reiss-Gera,
Principality of Lippe,
Principality of Schaumburg-Lippe,
Principality of Waldeck,
Cities: , and .

Bismarck founded the union, introduced the direct suffrage of the Reichstag and the exclusive responsibility of the federal chancellor. He himself assumed the office of chancellor on July 14, 1867. As Chancellor, he controlled foreign policy country and was responsible for all the internal politics of the empire, and his influence was traced in every state department.

Fighting the Roman Catholic Church

After the unification of the country, the government faced the question of the unification of faith more than ever. The core of the country, being purely Protestant, faced religious opposition from adherents of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1873, Bismarck was not only heavily criticized, but also wounded by an aggressive believer. This was not the first attempt. In 1866, shortly before the start of the war, he was attacked by Cohen, a native of Württemberg, who thus wanted to save Germany from fratricidal war.

The Catholic Center Party unites, attracting the nobility. However, the Chancellor signs the May Laws, taking advantage of the numerical superiority of the national Liberal Party. Another fanatic, apprentice Franz Kuhlmann, on July 13, 1874, makes another attack on the authorities. Long and hard work affects the health of a politician. Bismarck resigned several times. After his retirement, he lived in Friedrichsruh.

Chancellor's personal life

In 1844, in Konarzewo, Otto met the Prussian noblewoman Joanna von Puttkamer. On July 28, 1847, their wedding took place in a parish church near Reinfeld. Undemanding and deeply religious, Joanna was a loyal companion who provided significant support throughout her husband's career. Despite the heavy loss of his first lover and the intrigue with the wife of the Russian ambassador, Orlova, his marriage turned out to be happy. The couple had three children: Mary in 1848, Herbert in 1849 and William in 1852.

Joanna died on November 27, 1894 at the Bismarck estate at the age of 70. The husband built a chapel in which she was buried. Later, her remains were moved to the Bismarck Mausoleum in Friedrichsruh.

Last years

In 1871, the emperor gave him part of the possessions of the Duchy of Lauenburg. By his seventieth birthday, he was given a large amount of money, part of which went to buy out the estate of his ancestors in Schönhausen, part to buy an estate in Pomerania, which from now on he used as a country residence, and the rest of the funds were given to create a fund to help schoolchildren.

In retirement, the emperor granted him the title of Duke of Lauenburg, but he never used this title. Last years Bismarck spent close to. He fiercely criticized the government, sometimes in conversation, sometimes from the pages of Hamburg publications. His eightieth birthday in 1895 was celebrated on a grand scale. He died in Friedrichsruh on 31 July 1898.

Name: Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck-Schönhausen

State: Prussia

Field of activity: Politics

Greatest Achievement: Became chancellor of Prussia, united Germany.

Otto von Bismarck is one of the brightest personalities in the history of Germany. Prussia achieved absolute supremacy in Europe in many respects thanks to its policy of "iron and blood". Bismarck became a folk hero, founding father and first chancellor of the Second Reich, whose name was associated with social reforms and with the struggle against socialism and the Catholic Church. His era ended in 1890, but the memory of his outstanding achievements is still alive today.

Childhood and youth

Otto von Bismarck was born in 1815 in Schönhausen in the Brandenburg province. His mother belonged to a prominent family of scientists, and his father was a hereditary nobleman with considerable influence in the political arena. It was he who became an example for his son, who after school began to study law in Göttingen and Berlin.

When Bismarck's mother dies in 1838, he interrupts his studies and returns to his native estate, which he manages with his brother, Bernhard. After the death of Bismarck Sr. in 1845, Otto becomes the full owner of Schönhausen. He actively enjoys and enjoys all the privileges of the life of a wealthy squire and marries a Catholic Johanna von Putkammer, with whom he has three children - Marie, Herbert and Wilhelm.

The beginning of the political path

In addition to managing the estate of his father, Bismarck begins to actively manifest himself in the political sphere. Coming from a deeply conservative family, he was an ardent conservative and supporter of the monarchy. It is not surprising that during the revolutionary events of 1848-49 in Germany, he fully supported Frederick William IV.

The king appreciated Bismarck's loyalty and in 1851 sent him to Frankfurt am Main, where he represented the interests of Prussia in the German Confederation until 1859.

An ardent supporter of the unification of Germany, Bismarck was extremely negative about any attempts by Austria to show his superiority (in particular, the intention to mobilize German troops during the Crimean War) and tried by all means to expand and strengthen the influence of Prussia.

Path to power

A huge role in the life and outlook of Bismarck was played by his service in St. Petersburg as a diplomat. During the three years spent in Russia (1859-1862), he managed to learn the language quite tolerably and become imbued with the culture, which subsequently had significant influence on his approach to relations with the Russian Empire.

In 1862, he returned to his homeland - the return is very welcome: discord reigns in the country between the branches of government. Soon the Kaiser appoints him first head of government, and then minister of foreign affairs.

According to Bismarck himself, Prussia and Austria had only one solution in the struggle for supremacy - "not with speeches, but with iron and blood." It is noteworthy that the authorship of the expression "The winner is always right" is also attributed to Bismarck. War and violence, apparently, for this person have always been the only and most certain ways to achieve the desired result.

Prussian victory

A flourishing national consciousness, dreams of a united and powerful nation fueled Bismarck in his desire for unification.

When a conflict broke out with Denmark over the issue of Schleswig and Holstein - Danish territories with ethnic Germans living there, Bismarck did not hesitate for a long time. By joining forces with Austria, the Prussian troops won, and in the course of short and effective battles, Schleswig fell into the possession of Prussia, and Holstein went to Austria. But, allies in the same war, Prussia and Austria still remained enemies in the battle for supremacy.

In 1866, she joined forces with Italy, which had plans for part of Austria - Venice. The Italian-Prussian alliance succeeded, and Austria lost, ceding the lands it claimed to Prussia and signing a peace treaty.

In 1867, the North German Confederation was formed, whose chancellor and author of the Constitution was Bismarck. It would seem that his dreams of a united state began to come true, but no - the main contender for the Spanish throne was Leopold, a prince from the house of Hohenzollern, and if Alexander II was not particularly worried about this, the French government was puzzled by this fact. To allow a German subject to occupy such an important office would be folly. Fuel to the fire was added by the fact that the lands in southern Germany were in the hands of France, which significantly hindered the unification. Bismarck needed a war, he needed blood and iron to finish what he started.

Having forged a telegram allegedly written by Wilhelm I to Napoleon III, Bismarck endowed it with an extremely derogatory content for the latter, and then publicly announces this in the newspapers. Of course, France immediately declares war, which it loses. As a result, Prussia annexes the southern lands of France. On January 18, 1871, the creation of the Second Reich was announced, Wilhelm I received the title of emperor, and Bismarck was awarded the title of prince and estate.

Kulturkampf

Huge territories and the growth of industry make Germany one of the strongest powers, but the rapid unification of such vast lands also united territories inhabited by people with very different cultures and religions, warring clans and communities. The so-called Kulturkampf began - Bismarck's struggle for the cultural unity of the Reich.

Since 1873 all religious organizations controlled by the state, and marriage was henceforth recognized as legal only after registration in an official institution. The autonomy of the church has been abolished.

Change of power and resignation

Bismarck also authored a number of social reforms that significantly improved the lives of the working class and, for sure, could still serve the homeland, but in 1888 he takes the throne - ambitious and young, who did not want to fight for public attention with the famous chancellor. Bismarck resigns and receives the title of duke, but he is not going to leave politics at all - he has done too much, his memories are too fresh.

Trying to influence his own image in the popular mind and not lose influence, Bismarck publishes memoirs, and also regularly publishes critical essays and articles about members of the Reichstag and about Wilhelm II himself.

Last years

The death of his wife in 1894 greatly affected Bismarck's emotional and physical state, and his health began to deteriorate. The great and terrible, the most controversial politician of his time (and not only) died in 1898, leaving a deep mark on the history and hearts of people.

The first chancellor of the German Empire, politician, Prince Otto von Bismarck is known not only for his state activities, but also for his well-aimed statements, some of which have long become aphorisms. Today Anna Zarubina recalls the most striking quotes from the "Iron Chancellor".

“Life has taught me a lot to forgive, but even more to seek forgiveness”

“Never lie so much as during the war, after the hunt and before the elections”

“Stupidity is a gift of God, but it should not be abused”

"All of us - people and government too"

Otto von Bismarck. Drawing by Franz Kruger, 1826

“Russians harness for a long time, but they go fast”

"Make alliances with anyone, start any war, but never touch the Russians"

"Even a victorious war is an evil that must be averted by the wisdom of the nations"

"Never trust Russians, because Russians don't even trust themselves"