Otto Bismarck: brief biography, activity, quotes. Interesting facts about Otto von Bismarck

Otto Bismarck is one of the most famous politicians of the 19th century. He had a significant impact on political life in Europe, developed a security system. He played a key role in uniting the Germanic peoples in a single national state. He was awarded many prizes and titles. Subsequently, historians and politicians will differently assess the Second Reich, which was created by Otto von Bismarck. The Chancellor's biography is still a stumbling block between representatives of various political trends. In this article, we'll get to know her better.

Otto von Bismarck: a brief biography. Childhood

Otto was born on April 1, 1815 in Pomerania. Representatives of his family were cadets. These are the descendants of medieval knights who received lands for serving the king. Bismarck had a small estate and occupied various military and civil positions in the nomenclature of Prussia. By the standards of the German nobility of the 19th century, the family had rather modest resources.

The young Otto was sent to the Plamana school, where students were hardened with heavy physical exercises. My mother was an ardent Catholic and wanted my son to be brought up in strict conservatism. To his youthful age, Otto moved to the gymnasium. There he did not establish himself as a diligent student. I could not boast of success in studies. But at the same time he read a lot and was interested in politics and history. He studied the features of the political structure of Russia and France. Even learned French. At the age of 15 Bismarck decides to associate himself with politics. But the mother, who was the head of the family, insists on training in Göttingen. As a direction, law and jurisprudence were chosen. Young Otto was to become a diplomat of Prussia.

The behavior of Bismarck in Hanover, where the training took place, there are legends. He did not want to engage in law, so he preferred learning to live a racket. Like all elite youth, he frequented entertaining establishments and established many friends among the nobles. It was at this time that the chancellor's impetuous nature manifested itself. He often enters into skirmishes and disputes, which prefers to solve the duel. According to the memoirs of university friends, only for a few years in Gottingen Otto participated in 27 duels. As a memory of a stormy youth for life, he had a scar on his cheek after one such competition.

Leaving the university

A luxurious life alongside children of aristocrats and politicians was too expensive for the relatively modest Bismarck family. And the constant involvement in the turmoil caused problems with the law and the leadership of the university. So, not having received the diploma, Otto left for Berlin, where he entered another university. Who graduated in a year. After that I decided to follow the mother's advice and become a diplomat. Each person at that time was personally approached by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. After studying the Bismarck case and learning about his problems with the law in Hanover, he refused a young graduate at work.

After the collapse of hopes of becoming a diplomat, Otto works in Ankhon, where he deals with small organizational issues. According to Bismarck's recollections, the work did not require him to make significant efforts, and he could devote himself to self-development and rest. But in the new place the future chancellor has problems with the law, so in a few years he is enlisted in the army. The military career did not last long. A year later, Bismarck's mother dies, and he is forced to return to Pomerania, where their family estate is located.

In Pomerania, Otto faces a number of difficulties. This is a real test for him. Managing a large estate requires a lot of effort. So Bismarck has to give up his student habits. Thanks to his successful work, he significantly raises the status of the estate and increases his income. From a serene young man, he turns into a respected cadet. Nevertheless, the temper is continuing to remind oneself. Neighbors nicknamed Otto "rabid".

A few years later, Bismarck's sister Malvina arrives from Berlin. With her, he is very close because of their common interests and views on life. At about the same time, he becomes an ardent Lutheran and reads the Bible every day. There is an engagement of the future chancellor with Johanna Puttkamer.

The beginning of the political path

In the 40s of the 19th century, Prussia began a tough struggle for power between liberals and conservatives. To relieve tension, the Kaiser Friedrich Wilhelm convenes the Landtag. Elections are held in local administrations. Otto decides to go into politics and without much effort becomes a deputy. From the first days in the Landtag Bismarck acquires fame. Newspapers write about him as a "furious Junkers from Pomerania." He expresses quite sharply about the liberals. It is the whole article of the devastating criticism of Georg Finke. His speeches are quite expressive and inspiring, so Bismarck quickly becomes a significant figure in the camp of the Conservatives.

Opposition to liberals

At this time in the country a serious crisis is brewing. In neighboring states there is a series of revolutions. Encouraged by her liberals are actively propagating among the working and poor German population. Strikes and strikes repeatedly occur. Against this background, prices for food products are constantly rising, unemployment is growing. As a result, the social crisis leads to a revolution. It was organized by the patriots together with the liberals, demanding from the King the adoption of a new Constitution and the unification of all Germanic lands into one national state. Bismarck was very frightened of this revolution, he sends a letter to the king asking him to entrust him with an army trip to Berlin. But Friedrich makes concessions and partially agrees with the demand of the insurgents. As a result, bloodshed was avoided, and reforms were not as radical as in France or Austria.

In response to the victory of the liberals, a camarilla is created - the organization of conservative reactionaries. Bismarck immediately enters it and conducts active propaganda through the mass media. Under the agreement with the king in 1848, a military coup is taking place, and the rightists are regaining their lost positions. But Friedrich is in no hurry to give powers to his new allies, and Bismarck is virtually removed from power.

Conflict with Austria

At this time, the German lands were heavily fragmented into large and small principalities, which somehow depended on Austria and Prussia. Two of these states waged a constant struggle for the right to be considered the unifying center of the German nation. By the end of the 1940s, there was a serious conflict over the principality of Erfurt. Relations deteriorated sharply, rumors spread about possible mobilization. Bismarck takes an active part in resolving the conflict, and he manages to insist on signing agreements with Austria in Olmyutsk, because, in his opinion, Prussia was not able to resolve the conflict militarily.

Bismarck believes that it is necessary to begin a long preparation for the destruction of Austrian domination in the so-called German space. For this, in Otto's opinion, it is necessary to conclude an alliance with France and Russia. Therefore, with the outbreak of the Crimean War, he actively agitates not to enter into conflict on the side of Austria. His efforts bear fruit: mobilization is not carried out, and the German lands adhere to neutrality. The King sees the prospect in the plans of the "furious junker" and sends him to France as ambassador. After talks with Napoleon III, Bismarck was suddenly recalled from Paris and sent to Russia.

Otto in Russia

Contemporaries say that the formation of the personality of the Iron Chancellor was greatly influenced by his stay in Russia, Otto Bismarck himself wrote about this. The biography of any diplomat includes a period of training in the skill of negotiation. It was to this that Otto devoted himself in St. Petersburg. In the capital, he spends a lot of time with Gorchakov, who was considered one of the most outstanding diplomats of his time. Bismarck was impressed by the Russian state and traditions. He liked the policy pursued by the emperor, so he carefully studied Russian history. I even began to learn Russian. In a few years already could freely talk on it. "Language gives me an opportunity to understand the very image of the thought and logic of the Russians," wrote Otto von Bismarck. The biography of the "mad" student and the cadet brought a bad reputation to the diplomat and hindered the successful activities in many countries, but not in Russia. This is another reason that Otto liked our country.

In it, he saw an example for the development of the German state, since the Russians managed to unite the lands with an ethnically identical population, which was an old dream of the Germans. In addition to diplomatic contacts, Bismarck has many personal connections.

But Bismarck's quotes about Russia can not be called flattering: "Never believe in Russians, for Russians do not believe even themselves"; "Russia is dangerous by the miserliness of its needs."

Prime Minister

Gorchakov taught Otto the basics of aggressive foreign policy, which was very necessary for Prussia. After the death of the King, the "furious junker" was sent to Paris as a diplomat. Before him is a serious task to prevent the restoration of the long-standing alliance between France and England. The new government in Paris, created after the next revolution, treated negatively the ardent conservative from Prussia. But Bismarck managed to convince the French of the need for mutual cooperation with the Russian Empire and the German lands. In his command, the ambassador selected only trusted people. The assistants selected candidates, then Otto Bismarck himself considered them. A short biography of the candidates was compiled by the secret police of the king.

Successful work in establishing international relations allowed Bismarck to become Prime Minister of Prussia. In this position, he won the true love of the people. Weekly the first pages of German newspapers were decorated by Otto von Bismarck. Quotations of the politician became popular far abroad. Such popularity in the press is due to the Prime Minister's love for populist statements. For example, the words: "Great questions of time are decided not with speeches and resolutions of the majority, but with iron and blood!" Are still used on a par with similar pronouncements of the rulers of ancient Rome. One of the most famous statements of Otto von Bismarck: "Stupidity is a gift of God, but one should not abuse it."

Territorial expansion of Prussia

For a long time Prussia has set itself the goal of uniting all Germanic lands in one state. For this, preparations were made not only in the foreign policy aspect, but also in the field of propaganda. The main rival in leadership and patronage over the German world was Austria. In 1866, relations with Denmark sharply deteriorated. Part of the kingdom was occupied by ethnic Germans. Under the pressure of the nationalist-minded public, they began to demand the right to self-determination. At this time, Chancellor Otto Bismarck enlisted the full support of the king and received extended rights. The war with Denmark began. The troops of Prussia without special problems occupied the territory of Holstein and divided it with Austria.

Because of these lands a new conflict with a neighbor arose. The Habsburgs, who sat in Austria, lost their positions in Europe after a series of revolutions and coups that overthrew the dynasty in other countries. For 2 years after the Danish war, the feud between Austria and Prussia grew exponentially. First, trade blockades and political pressure began. But very soon it became clear that it would not be possible to avoid a direct military clash. Both countries began to mobilize the population. The key role in the conflict was played by Otto von Bismarck. Briefly outlining his goals to the king, he immediately went to Italy to enlist her support. Italians themselves also had claims to Austria, seeking to seize Venice. In 1866, the war began. The Prussian troops succeeded in quickly capturing part of the territories and forcing the Habsburgs to sign a peace treaty on favorable terms.

Unification of lands

Now all the ways for the unification of the German lands were opened. Prussia took a course toward the creation of the North German Union, the constitution for which was written by Otto von Bismarck himself. Quotes of the Chancellor on the unity of the German people have gained popularity in the north of France. Strengthening the influence of Prussia greatly troubled the French. The Russian empire also began to fearfully wait for what Otto von Bismarck will undertake, whose brief biography is described in the article. The history of Russian-Prussian relations during the reign of the Iron Chancellor is very revealing. The politician was able to assure Alexander II of his intentions to cooperate with the Empire further.

But the French did not succeed in convincing the same. As a result, the next war began. A few years before, an army reform had been carried out in Prussia, as a result of which a regular army was established. Military expenses also increased. Thanks to this and the successful actions of the German generals, France suffered a number of major defeats. Napoleon III was captured. Paris was forced to agree to an agreement, losing a number of territories.

On the wave of triumph, the Second Reich is proclaimed, Wilhelm becomes the emperor, and his confidant is Otto Bismarck. Citations of the Roman generals at the coronation gave the Chancellor another nickname - "triumph", since then he was often depicted on a Roman chariot and with a wreath on his head.

Heritage

Constant wars and internal political disagreements severely undermined the health of the politician. He went on vacation several times, but had to return because of the new crisis. Even after 65 years he continued to take an active part in all political processes in the country. No meeting of the Landtag was held unless Otto von Bismarck was present. Interesting facts about the life of the Chancellor are described below.

For 40 years in politics, he has made great strides. Prussia expanded its territory and was able to master the superiority in the German space. Contacts were established with the Russian Empire and France. All these achievements would have been impossible without such a figure as Otto Bismarck. The photo of the chancellor in profile and in the combat helmet became a kind of symbol of his unyielding tough foreign and domestic policy. Disputes around this personality are still being conducted. But in Germany every person knows who Otto von Bismarck was - the iron chancellor. Why he was so nicknamed, there is no consensus. Either because of a quick temper, or because of ruthlessness toward enemies. One way or another, he had a huge impact on world politics.

Interesting Facts

• Bismarck began his morning with physical exercises and prayers.
• During his stay in Russia, Otto learned to speak Russian.
• In St. Petersburg, Bismarck was invited to participate in the royal entertainment. It's hunting bears in the woods. The Germans even managed to kill several animals. But during the next sortie the detachment was lost, and the diplomat received a serious frostbite of his feet. The doctors prescribed amputation, but everything turned out.
• In his youth, Bismarck was an avid duelist. He took part in 27 duels and on one of them received a scar on his face.
• Once Otto von Bismarck was asked how he chose the profession. He replied: "I myself was destined to become a diplomat: I was born on the first of April."