Lecture Notes: Bismarck and the Unification of Germany

Introduction

• Failure of liberal efforts to unite Germany
• Otto von Bismarck's role in unification through Prussian dominance

Bismarck's Background

• Appointed as Prime Minister of Prussia (1862-1873)
• Conservative mindset, member of the Junker class
• Emphasized realpolitik: politics based on power over ideals
• Goal: Unified German nation under Prussian control

Realpolitik

• Comparisons to Machiavellian principles
• Focus on effectiveness over ideology

Bismarck's Strategy

• Multi-pronged approach: domestic and foreign policies

Domestic Policy

1. Addressing Socialism

   • Saw socialism as a threat
   • Banned the Social Democratic Party
   • Introduced state socialism and social welfare programs:
     • Old age pensions
     • Accident insurance
     • Health insurance
   • Strategy: "Out-socialize" the socialists

2. Dealing with Liberals

   • Liberals wary of Catholic influence
   • Initiated the Kulturkampf (culture struggle/culture war)
   • Anti-Catholic policies to appeal to secular liberals
   • Advocated for industrialization to appeal to liberal economic interests

Industrialization

• Essential for German unification
• Prussia needed to be a modern, industrialized military state

Conclusion

• Bismarck's pragmatic approach through realpolitik was instrumental in paving the way for German unification under Prussian leadership.