Otto von Bismarck

Otto, Prince of Bismarck, was a German statesman and diplomat who oversaw the unification of Germany and served as its first chancellor from 1871 to 1890. Bismarck's Realpolitik and firm governance resulted in him being popularly known as the Iron Chancellor (Eiserner Kanzler). From Junker landowner origins, he rose rapidly in Prussian politics under King Wilhelm I of Prussia. He served as Prussian ambassador to Russia and France and in both houses of the Prussian parliament. From 1862 to 1890, he held office as minister president and foreign minister of Prussia. Under Bismarck's leadership, Prussia provoked three short, decisive wars against Denmark, Austria, and France. After Austria's defeat in 1866, he replaced the German Confederation with the North German Confederation. In 1870, he secured France's defeat and oversaw the creation of a unified German Empire under Prussian rule. Following Germany's unification, he was given the aristocratic title Prince of Bismarck. His balance-of-power diplomacy helped maintain Germany's position in a peaceful Europe. He created the first welfare state to undermine socialist opponents.