Bismarck - biography Bismarck - biography
(Bismarck-Schonhausen) Bismarck Otto Eduard Leopold von Schönhausen
(Bismarck Otto Eduard Leopold von Schonhausen) (1815 - 1898)
Bismarck-Schonhausen
Biography
Prince, from 1890 - Duke of Lauenburg. Born April 1, 1815, Schönhausen. German politician who unified the German Empire and became its chancellor. Advocate of the "iron and blood" policy. A native of the Pomeranian Junkers. He studied jurisprudence in Göttingen and Berlin. He was an opponent of German unity and a supporter of Austria. In 1847 - 1848 - one of the most reactionary deputies of the 1st and 2nd United Landtags of Prussia, a supporter of the use of armed force to suppress the revolution. from 1849 - member of the Prussian Chamber of Deputies, from 1850 - member of the Erfurt Parliament. 1851 - 1859 - Prussian representative in the Bundestag in Frankfurt am Main, after which he turned into an enemy of Austria and a supporter of German unity under Prussian hegemony. 1859 - 1862 - Prussian envoy to Russia, in 1862 - to France. Since 1862, Minister-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Prussia. 1865 - elevated to the dignity of count. After the creation of the North German Confederation in 1867, he became Chancellor. After the war of 1870 - 1871, the formation of a new German Empire followed, Bismarck became its chancellor (while retaining the post of Prussian Minister of the President) and was elevated to princely dignity. 1871 - 1890 - Reich Chancellor of the German Empire. In 1872 - 1875 he carried out the activities of the so-called "Kulturkampf": on the initiative and under pressure from Bismarck, measures were taken against catholic church laws on depriving the clergy of the right to supervise schools, on the prohibition of the Jesuit order in Germany, on compulsory civil marriage, on the abolition of articles of the constitution providing for the autonomy of the church, etc. 1878 - passed through the Reichstag an “exceptional law” against socialists, prohibiting the activities of social democratic organizations . 1879 Bismarck achieved the adoption of a protective customs tariff by the Reichstag. In 1879 - 1883, with his participation, the Triple Alliance of Germany with Austria and Italy was created. From 1879 he embarked on the path of increased protectionism. 1881-1889 spent " social laws"(on insurance of workers in case of illness and injury, on old-age and disability pensions), which laid the foundations for social insurance of workers. At the same time, he demanded a tightening of anti-worker policies and during the 80s successfully sought an extension of the "exceptional law" In March 1890, due to political disagreements with Emperor Wilhelm II, he was dismissed from all positions and elevated to ducal dignity. Having settled on his estate Friedrichsruhe (near Hamburg), where he spent the last 8 years of his life, he sharply criticized the activities of the government. 1892 - was elected to the German Diet, but never appeared in it. There were two attempts on Bismarck's life: by Blind in 1866 and by Kuhlmann in 1874. He died on July 30, 1898 in Friedrichsruh. Thanks to him, the German regions of Austria were excluded from Germany and the non-German regions of Alsace-Lorraine were included and part of Schleswig.
__________
Information sources:
Encyclopedic resource www.rubricon.com (Big Soviet encyclopedia, encyclopedic Dictionary "The World History")
Project "Russia Congratulates!", biography of O. Bismarck
(Source: “Aphorisms from around the world. Encyclopedia of wisdom.” www.foxdesign.ru)
Consolidated encyclopedia of aphorisms. Academician 2011.
See what “Bismarck - biography” is in other dictionaries:
- (Bismark) Otto von Schönhausen (1815 1898). Prussian statesman and diplomat. At the beginning of his political career, he was a supporter of absolute power and a fierce opponent of popular representation. This is how he was in the provincial and... ... 1000 biographies
- (Bismarck) a city in the United States (see United States of America), the administrative center of the state of North Dakota, located on the eastern bank of the Missouri River. The population of the city is 56.4 thousand people (2004). Coal mining plays an important role in Bismarck's economy... ... Geographical encyclopedia
Iron Chancellor Dictionary of synonyms of the Russian language. Practical guide. M.: Russian language. Z. E. Alexandrova. 2011… Synonym dictionary
Bismarck- Most powerful battleship Germany during the 2nd World War. Entered service in 1940. Displacement 53 thousand tons, speed 30 knots, crew 1600 people. Armament: 8,381 mm, 12,150 mm, 16,105 mm, 16,37 mm guns and 4 aircraft. To break... ... Encyclopedia of the Third Reich
BISMARCK- (bismark), battleship of the German fleet. She became the first ship of her class to receive the same name. Laid down on July 1, 1936 at the Blom und Voss shipyard (Hamburg), launched on February 14, 1939; construction cost amounted to 198.8 million... ... Navy Third Reich
- (Bismarck) Otto Eduard Leopold von Schönhausen (1.4.1815, Schönhausen, 30.7.1898, Friedrichsruh), German statesman, prince. A native of the Pomeranian Junkers. In 1847 48 one of the most reactionary deputies of the 1st and 2nd ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
- (Bismarck), Otto Eduard Leopold von Schönhausen, prince (1.IV.1815 30.VII.1898), German. state activist Born in Schönhausen. A native of the Pomeranian Junkers. In 1847 48 he was one of the most reactionary. deputies of the 1st and 2nd united... ... Soviet historical encyclopedia
- (Bismarck) 2nd World War 27 May 1941 German the battleship Bismarck with a displacement of 45,000 tons under the command of Lutyens, considered the most powerful warship of that time, three days earlier sank the cruiser Hood and severely damaged the battleship... ... Encyclopedia of Battles of World History
BISMARCK- (Otto Eduard Leopold von Schönhausen B. (1815 1898) – German statesman) and the sky’s face twisted for a second / with the stern grimace of the iron Bismarck. (rfm. to blow his nose) M914 15 (397) ... Given name in Russian poetry of the 20th century: a dictionary of personal names
BISMARCK- Otto Eduard Leopold von Schönhausen (1815 98), state. figure of Prussia and Germany, general. feldm. (1866). In 1847 48 member of the Landtag (parliament) of Prussia. In 1859 62 Prussian envoy to Russia. From 1862 min. President and Min. foreign affairs of Prussia. In the 60s... Encyclopedia of the Strategic Missile Forces
Bismarck- (Bismarck)Bismarck, adm. the center of the state of North Dakota, USA, on the Missouri River; 49,256 inhabitants (1990). At first this city developed as a port serving steamship traffic, then as a railway station. d. Northern Pacific Company; to attract... ... Countries of the world. Dictionary
Books
- O. Bismarck. Thoughts and memories. In three volumes. Volume 1, O. Bismarck. Bibliographic rarity. Moscow, 1940, State Socio-Economic Publishing House. Publisher's binding. The rarity is in good condition. "Thoughts and Memories" by Bismarck is...
On the topic "Otto von Bismarck"
Student 9 "D" class
Secondary school No. 15
Moldasheva Taira
Otto Eduard Leopold von Schönhausen Bismarck
Otto von Schönhausen Bismarck came from a noble but impoverished Prussian noble family. He was born in the small estate of Schönhausen, near Berlin. Following family tradition, he was supposed to become a military man, but his mother dreamed of seeing her son as a diplomat and Otto entered the law faculty of the University of Göttingen.
The future chancellor did not bother himself with science, giving most fencing and beer drinking of his time. Subsequently, he repeatedly boasted of victories in 27 duels. After graduating from the University of Berlin, Bismarck tried to enter the diplomatic service, but was unable to do so due to lack of connections and became an official in the judicial department. However, this service did not last long, because Bismarck soon left his position and went to the village, where he began to manage his father’s two estates. He soon became a successful landowner, famous for his hunting and other victories.
Bismarck was an unusually strong-willed and physically resilient person. In secular circles he was called a “mad cadet.” By political views Bismarck was an ardent monarchist. Subsequently, one of his associates formulated his political credo as follows: “Force prevails over right!”
During the revolution of 1848, Bismarck came to Berlin to suppress the rioters at the head of an armed detachment of his peasants. Bismarck's actions were noticed by the authorities, and a few years later it was he who was entrusted with the post of head of the German foreign policy.
Bismarck's political career began with the post of Prussian envoy to the Allied Diet in Frankfurt. There he studied all the intricacies of Austrian politics and realized that Austria wanted to weaken the influence of Prussia and play a major role in the political arena. In order to counter Austria in this endeavor, it was necessary to acquire a strong ally.
Bismarck visited St. Petersburg and Paris as ambassador and realized that the best allies for Germany were Russia and France. In 1862 he went home and at the same time became prime minister. On September 30, 1862, he made a famous speech in the Landtag: “The great questions of the time are decided not by speeches or decisions of the majority, but by iron and blood.” Ignoring the liberal opposition, Bismarck completed military reform and strengthened the German army.
From that time on, Bismarck firmly and decisively began to move towards his intended goal - the unification of Germany. In 1864 he led the war against Denmark and, with Austrian support, captured Silesia and Holstein. The Prussian army then marched against Austria and defeated it in the Seven Weeks' War of 1866. As a result of the defeat, Austria recognized Prussia's right to create the North German Confederation, which united 21 states.
The unification of Germany was completed in 1871 when Prussian troops defeated France. Thus, Bismarck's plan to transform Germany into the German Reich was realized. On January 18, 1871, the Prussian king was proclaimed German emperor, and Bismarck became his chancellor.
However, Bismarck's career ended soon after the death of Wilhelm I (1797 - 1888). His successor, Wilhelm II, feared Bismarck's increasing influence. Bismarck's request for resignation was submitted and accepted on March 20, 1890. He left Berlin, with crowds of people noisily cheering for his services to Germany. Already during his lifetime he became the subject of worship and imitation, and after the death of Bismarck they even erected monuments to him in different places empires.
Name: Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck-Schönhausen
State: Prussia
Field of activity: Policy
Greatest Achievement: Became Chancellor of Prussia and united Germany.
Otto von Bismarck is one of the most bright personalities in the history of Germany. Prussia achieved absolute supremacy in Europe largely thanks to his policy of “iron and blood.” Bismarck became a folk hero, the founding father and first chancellor of the Second Reich, whose name was associated with social reform and the fight 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 an outstanding 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 died in 1838, he interrupted his studies and returned to his native estate, which he managed with his brother, Bernhard. After the death of Bismarck the elder in 1845, Otto became the full owner of Schönhausen. He actively uses and enjoys all the privileges of the life of a wealthy squire and marries the Catholic Johanna von Putkammer, with whom he has three children - Marie, Herbert and Wilhelm.
The beginning of the political path
In addition to managing his father's estate, 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 Prussian interests in the German Confederation until 1859.
An ardent supporter of the unification of Germany, Bismarck had an extremely negative attitude towards any attempts by Austria to show its 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
His service in St. Petersburg as a diplomat played a huge role in Bismarck’s life and worldview. During the three years spent in Russia (1859-1862), he managed to learn the language quite well and become imbued with the culture, which subsequently had a significant impact on his approach to relations with Russian Empire.
In 1862, he returned to his homeland - the return was very opportune: discord reigned in the country between the branches of government. Soon the Kaiser appointed him first as head of government and then as foreign minister.
According to Bismarck himself, there was only one solution in the struggle for supremacy between Prussia and Austria - “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 man have always been the only and most in the right ways achieving the desired result.
Prussian victory
Burgeoning national consciousness and dreams of a united and powerful nation fueled Bismarck in his quest 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 think twice. Having joined 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, with Bismarck as Chancellor and author of the Constitution. 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 position would be madness. Adding fuel to the fire was the fact that the lands in southern Germany were under the control of France, which significantly hampered unification. Bismarck needed a war, he needed blood and iron to finish what he started.
Having forged a telegram allegedly written by William I to Napoleon III, Bismarck endowed it with extremely derogatory content for the latter, and then publicly announced this in the newspapers. Of course, France immediately declares war, which it loses. As a result, Prussia annexed southern lands 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
Vast territories and the growth of industry make Germany one of the strongest powers, but the rapid unification of such vast lands also united territories where people with very different cultures and religions lived, warring clans and communities. The so-called Kulturkampf began - Bismarck's struggle for the cultural unity of the Reich.
Since 1873 everything religious organizations controlled by the state, and marriage was now recognized as legal only after registration with an official institution. The autonomy of the church was abolished.
Change of power and resignation
Bismarck also authored a number of social reforms, who significantly improved the lives of representatives of the working class and, most likely, could still serve his homeland, but in 1888 he ascended the throne - ambitious and young, who did not want to fight for the attention of the public with the famous chancellor. Bismarck resigns and receives the title of Duke, but does not intend to leave politics completely - he has done too much, his memories are too fresh.
Trying to influence own image in the popular consciousness and not to lose influence, Bismarck published memoirs, and also regularly published 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 the emotional and physical state Bismarck, his health began to deteriorate. The great and terrible, most controversial politician of his time (and not only) died in 1898, leaving a deep mark on history and the hearts of people.
Brief biography of Otto von Bismarck - prince, politician, statesman, first Chancellor of the German Empire, who implemented the plan for the unification of Germany, called the “Iron Chancellor”.
Otto von Bismarck, full name Otto Eduard Leopold Karl-Wilhelm-Ferdinand Duke von Lauenburg Prince von Bismarck und Schönhausen (in German Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck-Schönhausen)
Born on April 1, 1815 at Schönhausen Castle in the Brandenburg province. The Bismarck family belonged to the ancient nobility, descended from conquering knights (in Prussia they were called junkers). Otto spent his childhood on the family estate of Kniephof near Naugard, in Pomerania.
From 1822 to 1827, Bismarck was educated in Berlin, studying at the Plamann school, in which the main emphasis was on the development of physical abilities, and then continued his studies at the Frederick the Great gymnasium.
Otto's interests are expressed in studying foreign languages, politics of past years, history of military and peaceful confrontation different countries. After graduating from high school, Otto entered the university. Studied law and jurisprudence in Göttingen, Berlin. Upon completion of his studies, Otto received a position in the Berlin Municipal Court, and there in Berlin he joined the Jaeger Regiment. 
In 1838, having moved to Greifswald, Bismarck continued to carry out military service.
A year later, the death of his mother forces Bismarck to return to his “family nest.” In Pomerania, Otto begins to lead the life of a simple landowner. By working hard, he gains respect, raises the authority of the estate and increases his income. But due to his hot temper and violent disposition, his neighbors nicknamed him “mad Bismarck.”
Bismarck continues to educate himself by studying the works of Hegel, Kant, Spinoza, David Friedrich Strauss and Feuerbach. The life of a landowner began to tire Bismarck, and in order to unwind, he went traveling, visiting England and France.
After the death of his father, Bismarck inherited estates in Pomerania. In 1847 he married Johanna von Puttkamer.
On May 11, 1847, Bismarck had the first opportunity to enter politics as a deputy of the newly formed United Landtag of the Kingdom of Prussia.
From 1851 to 1959, Otto von Bismarck represented Prussia in the Federal Diet, which met in Frankfurt am Main.
from 1859 to 1862, Bismarck was Prussian ambassador to Russia, and in 1862 to France. Upon his return to Prussia, he becomes Minister-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The policy he pursued during these years was aimed at the unification of Germany and the rise of Prussia over all German lands. As a result of three victorious wars of Prussia: in 1864 together with Austria against Denmark, in 1866 against Austria, in 1870-1871 against France, the unification of the German lands was completed with “iron and blood”, and thus an influential state appeared - the German Empire. The most important consequence of the Austro-Prussian War was the formation in 1867 of the North German Confederation, for which Otto von Bismarck himself wrote the constitution. After the formation of the North German Confederation, Bismarck became Chancellor. On January 18, 1871, in the proclaimed German Empire, he received the highest government post of Imperial Chancellor, and, in accordance with the constitution of 1871, practically unlimited power. 
By using complex system alliances: the alliance of three emperors - Germany, Austria-Hungary and Russia 1873 and 1881; Austro-German alliance 1879; Triple Alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy 1882; The Mediterranean Agreement of 1887 between Austria-Hungary, Italy and England and the “reinsurance treaty” with Russia of 1887 Bismarck managed to maintain peace in Europe.
In 1890, due to political differences with Emperor Wilhelm II, Bismarck resigned, receiving the honorary title of Duke and the rank of Colonel General of the Cavalry. But in politics, he continued to be a prominent figure as a member of the Reichstag.
Otto von Bismarck died on July 30, 1898 and was buried on his own estate in Friedrichsruhe, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. In Germany there are monuments to Otto von Bismorck; the most majestic was the 34-meter figure of Bismarck, which was constructed over 5 years according to the design of Hugo Lederer.
Section topic: Brief biography of Otto von Bismarck
Otto Bismarck is one of the most famous politicians of the 19th century. He had a significant influence on political life in Europe, developed a security system. Played a key role in uniting the German peoples into a single national state. He was awarded many awards and titles. Subsequently, historians and politicians will have different assessments of who created
The biography of the chancellor is still between representatives of various political movements. In this article we will take a closer look at it.
Otto von Bismarck: short biography. Childhood
Otto was born on April 1, 1815 in Pomerania. Representatives of his family were cadets. These are the descendants of medieval knights who received lands for serving the king. The Bismarcks had a small estate and held various military and civilian posts in the Prussian nomenklatura. By the standards of 19th-century German nobility, the family had rather modest resources.
Young Otto was sent to the Plaman school, where students were hardened by hard physical exercises. The mother was an ardent Catholic and wanted her son to be raised in strict conservatism. TO adolescence Otto transferred to the gymnasium. There he did not establish himself as a diligent student. I couldn’t boast of any success in my studies either. But at the same time I read a lot and was interested in politics and history. Studied the features political structure Russia and France. I even studied French. At the age of 15, Bismarck decides to associate himself with 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 Hanover, where he trained, is legendary. He did not want to study law, so he preferred a wild life to studying. Like all elite youth, he often visited entertainment venues and made many friends among the nobles. It was at this time that the hot temper of the future chancellor manifested itself. He often gets into skirmishes and disputes, which he prefers to resolve with a duel. According to the recollections of university friends, in just a few years of his stay in Göttingen, Otto participated in 27 duels. As a lifelong memory of his stormy youth, he had a scar on his cheek after one of these competitions.
Leaving the university
A luxurious life alongside the children of aristocrats and politicians was beyond the means of Bismarck's relatively modest family. And constant participation in troubles caused problems with the law and the management of the university. So, without receiving a diploma, Otto went to Berlin, where he entered another university. Which he graduated a year later. After this, 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 Bismarck's case and learning about his problems with the law in Hanover, he refused to give the young graduate a job.
After the collapse of his hopes of becoming a diplomat, Otto works in Anhen, where he deals with minor organizational issues. According to the recollections of Bismarck himself, the work did not require significant effort from him, and he could devote himself to self-development and relaxation. But even in his new place, the future chancellor has problems with the law, so after a few years he enlists in the army. His 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 youth he turns into a respected cadet. Nevertheless, the hot temper continues to remind itself. The neighbors called Otto "mad."
A few years later, Bismarck's sister Malvina arrives from Berlin. He becomes very close to her due to their common interests and outlook on life. Around the same time, he became an ardent Lutheran and read the Bible every day. The future chancellor's engagement to Johanna Puttkamer takes place.
The beginning of the political path
In the 40s of the 19th century, a fierce struggle for power began in Prussia between liberals and conservatives. To relieve tension, Kaiser Friedrich Wilhelm convenes the Landtag. Elections are being held in local administrations. Otto decides to go into politics and without much effort becomes a deputy. From his first days in the Landtag, Bismarck gained fame. Newspapers write about him as a “mad cadet from Pomerania.” He speaks quite harshly about liberals. Compiles entire articles of devastating criticism of Georg Finke.
His speeches are quite expressive and inspiring, so Bismarck quickly becomes a significant figure in the camp of conservatives.
Confrontation with liberals
At this time, a serious crisis is brewing in the country. A series of revolutions are taking place in neighboring states. Inspired by it, liberals are conducting active propaganda among the working and poor German population. Strikes and walkouts occur repeatedly. Against this background, food prices are constantly rising and unemployment is growing. As a result, the social crisis leads to revolution. It was organized by patriots together with liberals, demanding that the king adopt a new Constitution and unite all German lands into one national state. Bismarck was very frightened of this revolution; he sent the king a letter asking him to entrust him with the army’s march on Berlin. But Frederick makes concessions and partially agrees with the demands 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 joins it and conducts active propaganda through. By agreement with the king, a military coup takes place in 1848, and the right regains its lost positions. But Frederick is in no hurry to empower his new allies, and Bismarck is actually 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, and rumors began to spread about possible mobilization. Bismarck takes an active part in resolving the conflict, and he manages to insist on signing agreements with Austria in Olmütz, since, in his opinion, Prussia was not able to resolve the conflict militarily.
Bismarck believes that it is necessary to begin long-term preparations for the destruction of Austrian dominance in the so-called German space.
To do 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 campaigned not to enter into the conflict on the side of Austria. His efforts bear fruit: there is no mobilization, and the German states remain neutral. The king sees promise in the plans of the “mad cadet” and sends him as ambassador to France. After negotiations with Napoleon III, Bismarck was suddenly recalled from Paris and sent to Russia.
Otto in Russia
Contemporaries say that the formation of the Iron Chancellor’s personality was greatly influenced by his stay in Russia; Otto Bismarck himself wrote about this. The biography of any diplomat includes a period of learning the skill. This 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 outstanding 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. After a few years I could already speak it fluently. “Language gives me the opportunity to understand the very way of thinking and logic of the Russians,” wrote Otto von Bismarck. The biography of the “mad” student and cadet brought disrepute 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 lands with an ethnically identical population, which was a long-standing 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 the Russians, for the Russians do not 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 king's death, the "mad junker" is sent to Paris as a diplomat. He faces the serious task of preventing the restoration of the long-standing alliance between France and England. The new government in Paris, created after the next revolution, had a negative attitude towards 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 Otto Bismarck himself examined them. A short biography of the applicants was compiled by the king's secret police.
Good job in setting up international relations allowed Bismarck to become Prime Minister of Prussia. In this position he won true love people. Otto von Bismarck graced the front pages of German newspapers every week. The politician's quotes became popular far abroad. Such fame in the press is due to the Prime Minister’s love of populist statements. For example, the words: “The great questions of the time are decided not by speeches and resolutions of the majority, but by iron and blood!” are still used on a par with similar statements of rulers Ancient Rome. One of the most famous sayings of Otto von Bismarck: “Stupidity is a gift of God, but it should not be abused.”
Prussian territorial expansion
Prussia has long set itself the goal of uniting all German lands into one state. For this purpose, preparations were made not only in the foreign policy aspect, but also in the field of propaganda. The main rival for leadership and patronage of the German world was Austria. In 1866, relations with Denmark sharply worsened. Part of the kingdom was occupied by ethnic Germans. Under pressure from the nationalist-minded 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 expanded rights. The war with Denmark began. Prussian troops occupied the territory of Holstein without any problems and divided it with Austria.
Because of these lands arose new conflict with a neighbor. The Habsburgs, who were seated in Austria, were losing their position in Europe after a series of revolutions and coups that overthrew representatives of the dynasty in other countries. 2 years after Danish War The enmity between Austria and Prussia grew in the First began trade blockades and political pressure. But very soon it became clear that it would not be possible to avoid a direct military conflict. Both countries began to mobilize their populations. Otto von Bismarck played a key role in the conflict. Having briefly outlined 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. Prussian troops managed to quickly capture part of the territories and force the Habsburgs to sign a peace treaty on terms favorable to themselves.
Land unification
Now all the ways for the unification of the German lands were open. Prussia set a course for creating a constitution for which Otto von Bismarck himself wrote. The Chancellor's quotes about the unity of the German people gained popularity in northern France. The growing influence of Prussia greatly worried the French. The Russian Empire also began to wait warily to see 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 intentions to cooperate with the Empire in the future.
But the French could not be convinced of this. As a result, another war began. A few years earlier, an army reform was 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 agree, losing a number of territories.
On a wave of triumph, the Second Reich is proclaimed, Wilhelm becomes emperor, and Otto Bismarck becomes his confidant. Quotes from Roman generals at the coronation gave the chancellor another nickname - “triumphant”; since then he was often depicted on a Roman chariot and with a wreath on his head.
Heritage
Constant wars and internal political squabbles seriously undermined the politician’s health. 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 political processes countries. Not a single meeting of the Landtag took place unless Otto von Bismarck was present. Interesting Facts the life of the chancellor is described below.
For 40 years in politics, he achieved enormous success. Prussia expanded its territories and was able to gain superiority in German space. Contacts were established with the Russian Empire and France. All these achievements would not have been possible without a figure like Otto Bismarck. The photo of the chancellor in profile and wearing a combat helmet became a kind of symbol of his unyieldingly tough foreign and domestic policy.
Disputes surrounding this personality are still ongoing. But in Germany, every person knows who Otto von Bismarck was - iron chancellor. There is no consensus on why he was called that. Either because of his hot temper, or because of his ruthlessness towards his enemies. One way or another, he had a huge impact on world politics.
- Bismarck began his morning with physical exercise and prayers.
- While in Russia, Otto learned to speak Russian.
- In St. Petersburg, Bismarck was invited to participate in the royal fun. This is bear hunting in the forests. The German even managed to kill several animals. But during the next sortie, the detachment got lost, and the diplomat received serious frostbite on his legs. Doctors predicted amputation, but everything worked out.
- In his youth, 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.”
Loading...