Outlines of Otto von Bismarck’s Initial Political Activity

Authors:

Pages: 305-322
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/FVCK9067

Abstract:

The article examines the events that took place in Germany between the Revolutions of 1848 and 1862 when Otto von Bismarck came to power in Prussia. The aim is to highlight the important political issues at stake in Prussia and the German Confederation after the unsuccessful revolution, and to trace their influence in shaping the political worldview of the future German Chancellor. Against the background of growing nationalism and liberalism in Europe and Germany, the dilemmas in the views of the young politician Bismarck and his corresponding behaviour at the beginning of his diplomatic career are revealed. In a short time, he evolved from a Democrat and a Republican to an ultraconservative and a monarchist. This change emanated from his devotion to Prussia and his commitment to German national unification.

Keywords:

Otto von Bismarck; Prussia; Austria; German Confederation; Frederick William IV; Prince William; Revolutions of 1848–49; Crimean War.

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