Otto von Bismarck (1815-98)

How did Bismarck change his views on nationalism?

What is realpolitik?

Ruthless and cynical policies of politicians who are willing to use whatever means are available to them to achieve their aims?

How did Bismarck use realpolitik?

• While he was a protestant, he was able to divorce personal from political morality. What was good for Germany was good

• He recognised that a conservative regime couldn’t operate without the support of the liberal middle class. He hoped to achieve conservative ends by less than conservative means.

Describe Bismarck’s personality.

• He was dominating and had a thirst for power.

• Smoked, drank and ate heavily.

• Suffered from periods of laziness.

• Highly emotional and his relations with Wilhelm I were stormy.

• He could be charming and a delightful companion.

Why do historians argue over Bismarck’s motives and methods?

• There is an excess of material. Bismarck left a wealth of letters, speeches, reports, etc and his own Reminiscences that have questionable accuracy.

• While in office he made contradictory statements at the same time about the same events. Some historians view this as his perversity of mind and desire to confuse friends and enemies. Others view it as an inability to think clearly.

• Bismarck’s own evidence needs to be used with caution to it is difficult to see his motives and how far in advance he had planned.

Why did Bismarck make an alliance with the National Liberals?

• They were the largest party in the Reichstag and he needed a majority.

• Most applauded Bismarck for making a united Germany and were eager to help him consolidate unity.

• They were also united against the Catholic Church.

What legislation was passed in the early liberal era?

• A national system of currency was introduced.

• A Reichsbank was created.

• Internal tariffs were abolished.

• Much legal standardisation.

Why did the National Liberals start to conflict with Bismarck?

• Bismarck didn’t agree with their hopes of a more parliamentary government.

• They opposed a number of his proposals.

How did Bismarck and the National Liberals conflict over the army budget?

• Previously the budget had been agreed to be a fixed level.

• In 1874 Bismarck proposed the ‘Eternal Law’ that an army over 400,000 men should be automatically financed by federal expenditure.

• This would seriously reduce the Reichstag’s monetary power since 80% of all federal expenditure was spent on the army.

• This was opposed by the National Liberals.

• Bismarck claimed they were trying to undermine German military strength and threatened to call new elections.

• The military budget was agreed to be fixed for 7 years at a time (the Septennates) as a compromise.