Iron Chancellor Otto von Bismarck

Posted by Tel Asiado Apr 1, 2008

Great Thinker Datebook: 1 April

Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismark, Count of Bismarck-Schönhausen (1815-1898), Prussian and German statesman of the 19th century, was born April 1, 1815 in Schönhausen, today Saxony-Anhalt.

Born into a wealthy Prussian family, he dedicated his life to building a strong, unified Germany under Prussian leadership. He entered the Prussian Parliament in 1847 and served until he was appointed minister to the German diet. He also became ambassador to Russia, and then, France.

Bismarck oversaw the unification of Germany when he became the Minister-President of Prussia from 1862-90. From 1867, he was Chancellor of the North German Confederation.

When the second German Empire was formed in 1871 in which William I was proclaimed German emperor, Bismarck served as its first Chancellor. He turned to alliances rather than wars to foster German interests. He gained the nickname "Iron Chancellor."

As Chancellor, Bismark held an important role in German government and greatly influenced German politics during his time of service.