Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Great Bismarck
Otto von Bismarck is one of the most interesting characters in German history. What intrigues me most about him is his political savvy. This man took Prussia, a growing power in the European theater but still a minor one, and, through manipulation of both domestic and foreign politics, united his country into a power that rivaled the likes of France and Great Britain. His poltical manuevering started when he unveiled his plan to finance the modernization of the army. The Reichstag, more specifically the liberals, would not vote for a budget that included the expansion of the army. So Bismarck unveiled his Gap Theory. There is a loophole in the constitution that allows for the old budget to be used if a new one is not agreed upon by the Kaiser and the Reichstag. Another way to view his tactics is the fact that the law allowed the government to collect back taxes. In any case, Bismarck is successful in getting the funds he needed to modernize the army. With a modern army, Bismarck departs on his quest in the expansion of the German Empire. In short order, Bismarck defeats the Danes, Austrians, and French. Bismarck seemed to be a master of perception. He starts off by stating that the territories of Holstein and Schleswig are German territories and thus should be under German control. He manages to enlist the aid of the Austrian Empire. While they do not provide men or materials, they do provide backing in exchange for control of one of the provinces. Here is where Bismarck proves to be the political mastermind of his age. With his victory over the Danes, he turns to the Austrians. Then the Austrians declare war over the territories. Then the French declare war and lose with the loss of Alsace-Lorraine. I find it fascinating that he managed these feats without ever being the aggressor, but what really is fascinating is his constraint. Here is a man, one could say a man with the power and the ability to conquer much more of Europe, that defeats the powers of the region and enlarges the empire but once the borders are established he stays content with the empire he founded. I think that this points to his motives behind all that he did. It would seem that he only wanted to unite the German peoples under one flag and establish an empire capable of standing up to the other powers.
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Bismarck fascinates me as well. I agree with the fact that he would have had the power to expand the German border even further than they had been when they were established. It is always difficult for me to look past a great figure and not try and find how what they did benefited them (really long sentence). Call me a pessimist. However, with Bismarck, it does seem that his only goal was the make the German people live together under one flag and also be powerful enough to defend themselves when the time came. Perhaps he just didn’t was his newly founded country to worry about another Napoleon. I think that in a way you could compare to him to Hitler.
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I say this only is the way that they were both powerful speakers and could manipulate the crowd as they saw fit. I don’t think that for a moment Bismarck thought when he confessed how he exploited the loopholes in the law and expressed his remorse that the people would turn on him. He knew that they would find a way to respect what he had done. Unfortunately this kind of thing for a time also worked for Hitler. It’s kind of frightening how a hero and a villain can be so similar sometimes.
I would have to agree that Bismarck was amazing. He used manipulative tactics to get coutries to declare war on Prussia and thus avoid the appearance of being an agressor. No where is this more prevalent than in the case of the Ems Dispatch. He skillfully pulled the French into an unwinnable war based solely on the French trying to preserve their honor. Then he does not let ego take over as he could have completely overwhelmed the whole of the European continent it seems. A brilliant strategist, but even better politician.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that one of the most manipulative characters in German history was the one who was able to unite, enlarge, and advance German politics and military. His tactics were revolutionary and misleading but effective. He functioned on his own personal agenda, which was arguably his plan from the beginning, and was able to not only make things fall into place by creating Germany, but also manipulate other powers (Austria, France, Spain) all the while they think they are getting the top end of the deal. So, Bismarck as a manipulator towards his personal agenda... maybe, effective uniter, I would say yes.
ReplyDeleteBismarck is definitely an intriguing character whose efforts to unify Germany resulted in a state whose character and stability continue to be subjects for debate by historians. Certainly Bismarck was a master politician who understood the political constraints within which he could operate. I'm not sure that he exerted the popular appeal of Hitler until his victories had silenced his critics but his policies were decidely different. Bismrck never sought world domination.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, Bismarck is one of the greatest politicians of all time because, as you say, his skills and talent for manipulating his opponents and other parties to do what he wants them to do is unmatched anywhere else in history (to my knowledge). I do feel, however, that Bismarck was far more successful with his foreign policy than his domestic policy. I cite the Kulturkampf against the Catholic church as an example. In trying to destroy/limit the power of the church, Bismarck inadvertently caused the Catholics to gain more support in the form of the Catholic Center Party.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you, Bismarck was one pretty cool dude. I like your one comment especially, that he was "a master of perception." I would love to see Bismarck play a game of poker. He would be able to operate within the realm of possibilities (or real poker [instead of real politik]), likely bluff his way to victory, sense the trepidations of his oponents while at the same time maintain conversation that around the poker table that would make most people say, "eh, this Bismarck guy ain't so bad."
ReplyDeleteI have to also agree that Bismarck is fascinating to study. I like how you point to the fact that Bismarck could have gone farther and taken over more of Europe but instead he is content. I also agree that this truly points to his motives and where his loyalty lies. A stronger bigger and more united Germany may not have always been his dream but it is truly his legacy.
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