During the 19th century in Europe, land areas were coming together to form states. In this paper I will show the unification of one of these land areas (German confederate states) into a united Germany under the policies of Otto Von Bismarck ("Blood and Iron"). .
Bismarck was first involved in politics in the mid to late 1840's. He was on the Prussian assembly and became more prominent in Prussian government after the revolutions of 1848. Bismarck was heavily in favor of having one king with supreme power, not a parliament to vote on decisions. Being one of the King of Prussia's biggest supporters, he was appointed to office, where he would begin moving up the chains of command and influence. In 1861, William I became King of Prussia. He wanted Prussia to have a strong government and army and appointed Bismarck as his Prime Minister. .
One of Bismarck's main focuses was on his Prussian military. Prussian industry was developing rapidly at the time and new guns and ammunition were produced. The army would be small in times of peace, but in wartime, it would have the capability to expand in numbers rapidly. .
Using the army, Bismarck united the states of Germany under Prussia's leadership, between 1864 and 1871. In the process three wars were fought. The first against Denmark in 1864 was of little importance, but it did increase rivalry between Austria and Prussia. Bismarck new he would have to go to war with Austria sooner or later if he wanted to unify Germany. .
War broke out in 1866 with Austria. Austria was helped by some of the other German states, while Italy supported Prussia. Many people in Europe expected Austria to win the war, but Prussia's modern, well-organized army defeated Austria within six weeks. At the important battle of Sadowa, the Prussians used the new breech loading rifles which could fire six times as rapidly as the Austrians muzzle loaders. The victory resulted in great celebration in Prussia and even Bismarck's critics were delighted by the defeat of Austria.
