This article deals with another notable figure in German History, and in this article, we share facts about the life of Otto Von Bismarck and the role he played in Germany.
Popularly known as the “Iron Chancellor”, Prince of Bismarck, Duke of Lauenburg, he was born to Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand von Bismarck, Wilhelmine Luise Mencken on April 1, 1815.
Bismarck was an improbable candidate for political greatness because he was very rebellious as a child and a known drinker who seemingly lacked direction in his youth.
After being such a vocal atheist, he became very religious at the age of 30, got married, and became involved in politics. He gained so much experience and eventually became known for issuing sharp judgments on the foreign leaders and issues he encountered.
Bismarck was able to form the Reich, a unified German empire led by the Prussians. Alsace-Lorraine became an imperial territory of Germany. Wilhelm was declared Kaiser or emperor, and Bismarck became chancellor. Bismarck was also given the royal title of prince and awarded an estate.
He led the war against France and won. He was the architect who unified Germany and served as its first chancellor. He strengthened the economy, fought the Catholics and socialists during this time, and began the German welfare state.
He played a significant diplomatic role, and as chancellor of the new German Empire, he helped maintain peace in Europe for over two decades.
Otto Von Bismarck was a celebrated entertainer who greatly enjoyed funny stories and wordplay. He was fluent in English, French, Russian, and Polish. He also possessed excellent manners and a high level of politeness. His friends were chosen independent of origin, creed, or political beliefs, with the exclusion of socialists and social democrats, whom he despised. Bismarck loved good food and drink and most often indulged in them excessively.
He died in 1898 at the age of 83.