To what extent, within the context of the years 1789-1871, was it the political skill of
Bismarck that brought about the unification of Germany?
The transformation of Germany from a weak, agrarian and fragmented set of states after the
disbandment of the Holy Roman Empire to a unified, industrialised superpower by 1871, was
largely the result of Bismarck’s astute leadership and shrewd Realpolitik. Faced with
constitutional deadlock and the nation’s political instability upon his appointment, Bismarck was
able to break the political impasse and unite rival factions under his central command. His
prioritisation of economic and military reforms further helped grow Prussia’s forces, ensuring a
degree of autarky during national conquests which acted as precursors to national unification. His
role in the economic and political collapse of Austria, ushered in a new era of German
self-determination. However, this newfound independence couldn’t have been achieved without
nationalist fervour which Bismarck skilfully manipulated to orchestrate internal instability in
Austria and the decisive victory over France, marking the rise of the new German Reich.
Therefore, Bismarck’s policy of Realpolitik gave him the flexibility to wield political alliances,
economic relations and nationalist sentiment to fulfil his overarching aim in unifying Germany
under his firm leadership.
Bismarck’s role in transforming the political landscape of Germany can be seen through his
domestic policy in restoring conviction in local authority. Yet, this wouldn’t have been possible
without the precedent of poor leadership and tensions between parliament and the monarchy
which had divided the Prussian executive. Both the 1848 July armistice with Denmark at Malmo
and the 1850 Capitulation of Olmutz were signed by King Frederick William IV without the
consent of the Frankfurt Parliament, thus undermining the legitimacy of the provisional assembly.
This further weakened the Parliament, after King William’s rejection of the “crown from the gutter”
in 1848, in the eyes of powers such as France and Russia who didn’t recognise the Parliament,
much less support its pursuit of national unification. As a result, Bismarck’s ability to solve the
1862 constitutional crisis over the budget by collecting taxes independently, shows his
dominance over the radical liberal party, despite its majority of 109 seats, indicating the
parliament’s weakening mandate as well as Bismarck’s unwavering convictions in his policies.
Moreover, by alluding to the ‘gap’ in the constitution Bismarck restored the monarchy’s legitimacy
following the humiliating implications of concessions in 1848 to quell widespread discontent.
Therefore, Bismarck successfully dispelled the constitutional deadlock using his political skill, in
turn preserving the Prussian political system which was crucial to unification.
However, Bismarck also had to reconcile national political rifts to secure the future of Germany.
After the 1863 elections gave liberals 70% of parliamentary seats, Bismarck introduced universal
male suffrage and the foundations of a welfare state,1 further appeasing liberals in line with his
policy of Realpolitik. However, in 1848 Bismarck had wanted “to avoid an alliance with
democracy” as much like King William, he too had to concede to liberal demands to maintain his
position. Despite defending the King’s Capitulation of Olmutz against the nationalist outcry of
Frankfurt deputies, in 1866 he boldly dismissed monarchical principles when he dispossessed
dynasties of Hanover, Hesse-Nassau and Nassau.2 This is significant as it shows how Bismarck
was able to exploit both liberal and conservative views to unite northern German states in the
build up to eventual unification. Furthermore, the victory over Austria in 1866 neutralised liberal
opposition as Pflanze described how “almost overnight the Bismarck cult was born” allowing the
Indemnity Bill to pass with an overwhelming majority. Bismarck’s ability to gain the support of
liberal nationalists was thus crucial in passing the North German Confederation in July 1867. This
was important not only in ratifying Prussia’s dominance over German states with 17/43 votes
(compared to 1/17 in the German Confederation) but also limiting democratic interference as the
1
Kitchen, Martin. “A History of Modern Germany, 1800-2000.” Blackwell Pub, 2006, pp. 112.
2
Holborn, Hajo. “Bismarck’s Realpolitik.” Journal of the History of Ideas, 21(1), 1960, pp. 92.
