Otto von Bismarck and German Unification

Vocabulary terms and key concepts related to Otto von Bismarck's rise, Realpolitik, military expansion, and the steps leading to German unification.

Realpolitik

Realistic politics based on the needs of the state, where power is more important than principles.

Hohenzollerns

The ruling dynasty of Prussia representing a powerful, traditional monarchy, to whom Otto von Bismarck held his primary loyalty.

Schleswig and Holstein

Two provinces seized from Denmark in 1864 by an alliance of Prussia and Austria, after which Austria administered Holstein and Prussia administered Schleswig.

Austro-Prussian War

An 1866 war that lasted seven weeks and ended in a decisive Prussian victory, resulting in Prussia annexing several north German states.

Annexed

Took control of, as when Prussia took control of several northern German states after defeating Austria.

German Confederation

An Austrian-led confederation that was dissolved by Bismarck following the Austro-Prussian War to create a new confederation dominated by Prussia.