Otto Von Bismarck Research Paper

The Unification of Germany in 1871 into a politically and an administratively integrated nation state, is highly regarded as a direct result from a Prussian statesman named Otto von Bismarck and his political strategies. Bismarck used his skill as an excellent orator, his great ability to read and manipulate others, as well as his capability to plan ahead while being able to adapt to situations simultaneously as they arose, is what helped him come into power and eventually unify the German states, excluding Austria. But was it Bismarck’s direct master plan once coming into power to unify Germany? Or was he the ultimate opportunist by taking advantage of situations thrust upon him?

Otto von Bismarck, born April 1st 1815, was a Prussian statesman

The newly appointed king of Denmark, King Christian IX, provoked this crisis by attempting to annex the German-speaking duchies Schleswig and Holstein, which provided Bismarck with an opportunity to obtain them for Prussia. Once again, at this time Bismarck’s initial goals were to obtain these regions to expand the Prussian territory, more so then obtaining them to unify the German-speaking regions [Urbach]. Bismarck would denounce King Christian IX decision to completely annex the regions and gave him an ultimatum to return the duchies to their former status, which Denmark ultimately refused. With the refusal, Prussia with the help of Austria invaded Denmark, which sparked the beginning of the violent Second Schleswig War. The war ended quite violently as well, with the king of Denmark being forced to renounce all his rights in the duchies, which led to negotiations between Austria and Prussia. The Convention of Gastein was an agreement between Austria and Prussia, reached on August 20, 1865, which provided that Schleswig would go to the King of Prussia and Holstein would go to Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. The Duchy of Lauenburg was also handed over absolutely to the King of Prussia and the King in great appreciation bestowed the title of Count to Bismarck. Bismarck during this first war demonstrated political skill in that he had severed the Duchies from Denmark without allowing foreign nations

The Emperor of Austria refused to sell Holstein to Prussia or give Prussia the dominant political influence in Northern Germany. Bismarck took action in order to isolate Austria. Bismarck, being concerned of foreign involvement, met in France with Napoleon who wanted compensation for allowing Prussia to expand and in response, Bismarck threatened to use any means necessary to start a national war against France [Pflance]. Bismarck then negotiated verbal promises that any increase in territory would not be a threat to Paris, and he even suggested that a complete reform of the German Constitution might be undertaken [Headlam]. After these discussions Napoleon agreed that France would remain neutral in a war between Prussia and Austria. Italy would take more diplomatic finesse on Bismarck’s part, as there was suspicion and distrust between them. Bismarck negotiated with Italy that if Prussia went to war with Austria within the next three months, Italy would also at once declare war and Bismarck agreed that Prussia would continue the war till Venetia was surrendered for Italy [Headlam]. Bismarck through that agreement was able to secure Italy’s support and completed the arrangements for a commercial treaty with Italy. Throughout these negotiations Austria was alert to Bismarck’s meeting with France and Italy and began arming themselves for war against Prussia. Bismarck manipulated Austria’s actions of increasing