Guide Note:Otto von Bismarck was a Prussian conservative political force, serving in the Prussian Legislature, then serving as the Ambassador to Russia and then the Ambassador to France. His concern over Austrian dominance in the germanic states and a growing appreciation of the value of the middle class while in Paris, he moderated his view of the prevalent idea that the monarch had a (divine right to rule ) stance to advancing the collection of Germanic states into a modern Germany. As Prime Minister of Prussia and a conservative political leader of the first order, he was willing to cause wars to reign in the power of France and Austria. Pragmatic and resourseful, resisting socialist adgendas yet overseeing the moderated legislation during the 1880's to provide health and then accident insurance and finally old age pensions for the German population. Politically astute, his guille was evident throughout his life and positioned Germany to lead in the next century.
Fast Facts:
- Born April 1st, 1815
- Birthplace, Schönhausen, Prussia
- Married Johanna von Puttkamer
- Appointed or Elected to positions in Prussian Legislatures
- Appointed Bismarck Minister-President and Foreign Minister September 1862 – January 1873
- 1st Chancellor of Germany March 1871 – March 1890
- Died 30 July 1898 Friedrichsruh, Germany
