Brief biography of Otto von Bismarck. Brief biography of Bismarck

The “Iron Chancellor” was born on the family estate of Schönhausen on April 1, 1815, into a family of Prussian landowners. Representatives of this family served the rulers of the province of Brandenburg from the middle of the 17th century. The ancestors of the Bismarcks, the conquering knights, settled in these places during the reign of. At the insistence of his mother, Otto and his brother were sent to Berlin to receive an education. During 10 years of study, he changed 3 gymnasiums, but did not show any particular interest in knowledge. He was attracted only by the history of politics, both modern and past. After graduating from high school, Otto entered the university. Law became his specialty.

As a student, Bismarck did not distinguish himself with any talents. He led a wild life, played cards and drank a lot. However, he completed his studies and received a position in the Berlin Municipal Court. For three years, Bismarck held the position of tax official in Aachen and Potsdam. There he joined the Jaeger Regiment. In 1838, Bismarck moved to Greifswald, where he continued to carry military service and at the same time study animal breeding. After the death of his mother, Otto von Bismarck returns to his Pomeranian estates and begins to lead the life of an ordinary landowner. His character in those years was so explosive and beyond any control that his neighbors considered him mad.

Having decided to get married, he was refused. The girl's mother did not want to give her daughter to such a groom. To calm down, he goes traveling. Having visited England and France, Bismarck became more reserved and made many friends. After the death of his father, he became the sole owner of the Pomeranian estates, during which time he married. Among his friends were the von Gerlach brothers, who had influence at court. Soon the “mad deputy” Bismarck began to play a prominent role in the Berlin Landtag. Since 1851, Otto von Bismarck has represented Prussia in the Federal Diet, which met in Frankfurt am Main. He continues to study diplomacy and successfully apply the acquired knowledge in practice.

In 1859, Bismarck was envoy to St. Petersburg. Three years later he is sent to France. Upon his return, he heads the Prussian government. He then becomes Minister-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The policy he pursued during these years was aimed at the unification of Germany and the rise of Prussia over all German lands. For the same purpose, he tried to provoke France into starting a war. The cunning politician managed to achieve his goal. On July 19, 1870, war with the North German Confederation was declared in Paris.

A month later, the fleeting battle was completed with the victory of Germany. Another 4 months later, on behalf of Emperor Wilhelm I, Otto von Bismarck became chancellor of the empire that he himself created. Until 1890, the “Iron Chancellor” ruled the country. During this time, peace was signed with France, very humiliating for Paris, a struggle was waged against the dominance of the Catholic Church, and persecution of socialists began. After the accession of Emperor Wilhelm II to the throne, Bismarck lost his influence and resigned, which was accepted on March 18, 1890. However, he did not retire completely. He continued to express his opinions about current politicians, and was a member of the Reichstag. Otto von Bismarck died in 1898 and was buried on his own estate. The inscription on the tombstone said that a devoted servant of the German Kaiser Wilhelm I rested here.

On February 18, 1871, Otto von Bismarck proclaimed the creation of the German Empire - the Second Reich. He became the first chancellor of Germany, who was nicknamed the “Iron Chancellor” for his tough and focused policy on unifying the German lands. Almost by his will, the revolution of the Paris Commune was suppressed. He had good school— he went through this school after living in Russia.

1. Russian love
Bismarck had a lot in common with our country: service in Russia, “apprenticeship” with Gorchakov, knowledge of the language, respect for the Russian national spirit. Bismarck also had a Russian love, her name was Katerina Orlova-Trubetskaya. They had a whirlwind romance in the resort of Biarritz. Only one week in her company was enough for Bismarck to become captivated by the charms of this young, attractive 22-year-old woman. The story of their passionate love almost ended in tragedy. Katerina’s husband, Prince Orlov, was seriously wounded in the Crimean War and did not take part in his wife’s fun festivities and bathing. But Bismarck accepted. She and Katerina almost drowned. They were rescued by the lighthouse keeper. On this day, Bismarck would write to his wife: “After several hours of rest and writing letters to Paris and Berlin, I took a second sip of salt water, this time in the harbor when there were no waves. A lot of swimming and diving, dipping into the surf twice would be too much for one day.” This incident became a wake-up call for the future chancellor; he never cheated on his wife again. And time has run out - big politics has become a worthy alternative adultery.

2. Landowner
In his youth Bismarck long time lived in the village where the future German Chancellor earned the nickname “crazy Bismarck,” and in the area where he lived there was a saying: “No, not yet, says Bismarck.” This nickname and this saying are thrown bright light for the exploits he accomplished as a landowner. He had no shortage of company: neighboring landowners, and especially officers stationed in the Naugard district, kept him company on carousing, hunting, various kinds excursions and were regulars at Kniphof, which, from the time Bismarck arrived there for permanent residence, was by general rumor renamed Kniphof (tavern). Drinking, carousing, playing cards, hunting, horse riding, shooting at a target - that’s what occupied Bismarck and his comrades. He was an excellent shooter; he used a pistol to shoot off the heads of ducks on a pond, and hit a thrown card in mid-flight; He was a dashing rider, he retained this passion for a long time and several times almost paid with his life for furious horse riding. One day they were returning home with their brother and driving the horses as hard as they could. Suddenly the chancellor fell off his horse and hit his head on a stone on the highway. The horse got scared of the lantern and threw it off. Bismarck lost consciousness. When he came to his senses, something very strange happened to him. He examined the horse and found that the saddle was broken; He called the groom, got on his horse and went home. The dogs greeted him with barking, but he mistook them for strange dogs and got angry. Then he began to tell that his groom had fallen from his horse and that it was necessary to send a stretcher for him. When the brother made a sign that they should not follow the groom, he again became angry and asked: “Are we really going to leave this man there in a helpless state?” In a word, he mistook himself for a groom or the groom for himself. Then he asked for food, went to bed, and the next day he was completely healthy. Another time, also in a deep forest, far from home, he fell along with his horse and lost consciousness. He lay there like that for about three hours. When he finally woke up, he mounted his horse again and in the darkness reached the neighboring estate. Then the people were frightened when they saw a tall rider, whose whole face and hands were covered in blood. When the doctor examined him, he declared that it was contrary to all the rules of art not to break his neck from such a fall. He retained his passion for horse riding for a long time and subsequently broke three of his ribs when falling from a horse.

3. Ems dispatch

In achieving his goals, Bismarck did not disdain anything, even falsification. In a tense situation, when the throne became vacant in Spain after the revolution in 1870, William I’s nephew Leopold began to lay claim to it. The Spaniards themselves called the Prussian prince to the throne, but France intervened in the matter. Understanding Prussia's desire for European hegemony, the French made a lot of efforts to prevent this. Bismarck also made a lot of efforts to pit Prussia against France. Negotiations between the French ambassador Benedetti and William came to the conclusion that Prussia would not interfere in the affairs of the Spanish throne. The account of Benedetti's conversation with the king was reported from Ems by telegraph to Bismarck in Berlin. Having received from the chief of the Prussian General Staff Moltke assured that the army was ready for war, Bismarck decided to use the dispatch sent from Ems to provoke France. He changed the text of the message, shortening it and giving it a harsher tone that was insulting to France. In the new text of the dispatch, falsified by Bismarck, the end was composed as follows: “His Majesty the King then refused to receive the French ambassador again and ordered the adjutant on duty to tell him that His Majesty had nothing more to say.”
This text, offensive to France, was transmitted by Bismarck to the press and to all Prussian missions abroad and the next day became known in Paris. As Bismarck expected, Napoleon III immediately declared war on Prussia, which ended in the defeat of France.

4. Russian “nothing”

Bismarck continued to use the Russian language throughout his life. political career. Russian words slip into his letters every now and then. Having already become the head of the Prussian government, he even passed resolutions on official documents sometimes he did it in Russian: “Impossible” or “Caution.” But the Russian “nothing” became the favorite word of the “Iron Chancellor”. He admired its nuance and polysemy and often used it in private correspondence, for example: “Alles nothing.” One incident helped him penetrate into the secret of the Russian “nothing”. Bismarck hired a coachman, but doubted that his horses could go fast enough. "Nothing!" - answered the driver and rushed along the uneven road so briskly that Bismarck became worried: “You won’t throw me out?” "Nothing!" - answered the coachman. The sleigh overturned, and Bismarck flew into the snow, bleeding his face. In a rage, he swung a steel cane at the driver, and he grabbed a handful of snow with his hands to wipe Bismarck’s bloody face, and kept saying: “Nothing... nothing!” Subsequently, Bismarck ordered a ring from this cane with the inscription in Latin letters: “Nothing!” And he admitted that in difficult moments he felt relief, telling himself in Russian: “Nothing!” When the “Iron Chancellor” was reproached for being too soft towards Russia, he replied: “In Germany, I’m the only one who says “nothing!”, but in Russia the whole people say.”

5. Sausage duel

Rudolf Virchow, a Prussian scientist and opposition figure, was dissatisfied with the policies of Otto von Bismarck and the bloated military budget of Prussia. He began to study the typhus epidemic and came to the conclusion that it was not anyone who was to blame, but Bismarck himself (overpopulation was caused by poverty, poverty by poor education, poor education- lack of funding and democracy).
Bismarck did not deny Virchow's theses. He simply challenged him to a duel. The duel took place, but Virchow prepared for it unconventionally. He chose sausages as his “weapon.” One of them was poisoned. The famous duelist Bismarck chose to refuse the duel, saying that heroes do not eat to death and canceled the duel.

6. Gorchakov’s student

It is traditionally believed that Alexander Gorchakov became a kind of “godfather” of Otto von Bismarck. There is a grain of wisdom in this opinion. Without the participation and help of Gorchakov, Bismarck would hardly have become what he became, but the role of Bismarck himself in his political formation cannot be underestimated. Bismarck met Alexander Gorchakov during his stay in St. Petersburg, where he was the Prussian envoy. The future “Iron Chancellor” was not very happy with his appointment, taking it for exile. He found himself far from “big politics,” although Otto’s ambitions told him that he was born precisely for this. In Russia, Bismarck was received favorably. Bismarck, as they knew in St. Petersburg, resisted with all his might during Crimean War mobilization German armies for the war with Russia. In addition, the courteous and educated fellow countryman was favored by the Dowager Empress, wife of Nicholas I and mother of Alexander II, née Princess Charlotte of Prussia. Bismarck was the only foreign diplomat who had close contact with royal family. Work in Russia and communication with Gorchakov seriously influenced Bismarck, but Gorchakov’s diplomatic style was not adopted by Bismarck, he formed his own methods of foreign policy influence, and when the interests of Prussia diverged from the interests of Russia, Bismarck confidently defended Prussia’s positions. After the Berlin Congress, Bismarck broke up with Gorchakov.

7. Descendant of Rurikovich

Now it is not customary to remember this, but Otto von Bismarck was a descendant of the Rurikovichs. His distant relative was Anna Yaroslavovna. The call of Russian blood was fully manifested in Bismarck; he even had the opportunity to hunt a bear once. The “Iron Chancellor” knew and understood the Russians well. He is credited famous phrases: “You should either play fairly with the Russians, or not play at all”; “The Russians take a long time to harness, but they travel quickly”; “The war between Germany and Russia is the greatest stupidity. That’s why it will definitely happen.”

8. “Was there Bismarck?”

Bismarck in Russia today is “more alive than all the living.” His quotes are scattered across the Internet, numerous communities work in in social networks. Such popularity becomes a reason for speculation. For ten years now, a “quote” from the Chancellor has been circulating on the Internet: “The power of Russia can only be undermined by the separation of Ukraine from it... it is necessary not only to tear off, but also to contrast Ukraine with Russia, to pit the two parts against each other.” one people and watch brother kill brother. To do this, you just need to find and cultivate traitors among the national elite and with their help change the self-awareness of one part of the great people to such an extent that they will hate everything Russian, hate their family, without realizing it. Everything else is a matter of time.” The idea is interesting, but it does not belong to Bismarck. This quote is not in his memoirs or in other reliable sources. A similar idea was expressed in 1926 in the Lvov magazine “Theology” by a certain Ivan Rudovich. In fact, Bismarck said something different about Russia: “Even the most favorable outcome of the war will never lead to the disintegration of the main strength of Russia. The Russians, even if they are dismembered by international treatises, will just as quickly reunite with each other, like particles of a cut piece of mercury. This is the indestructible state of the Russian nation, strong with its climate, its spaces and limited needs.”

Date of birth: April 1, 1815
Place of birth: Schönhausen, Germany
Date of Death: July 30, 1898
Place of Death: Friedrichsruh, Germany

Otto Bismarck- German politician.

Otto Eduard Leopold Bismarck von Schönhausen was born April 1, 1815 in Germany. His family came from noble cadets.

In 1822-1827, Bismarck studied at the Plaman school, from where he left due to dissatisfaction with too close attention to physical development students. After school, he began studying at the gymnasium named after Frederick the Great, but at the age of 15 he exchanged it for the gymnasium at the gray monastery. During his studies, he was inclined to study languages, read a lot, and was interested in politics and military affairs.

After graduating from high school, at the insistence of his mother, Otto began studying at the George Augustus University in Göttingen. However, he did not graduate because he led a riotous lifestyle, spent too much and left the city in order not to be arrested. After this, Bismarck studied at the New Metropolitan University of Berlin, graduating with a dissertation on economics in politics.

He did not want to study further, looking for a career, he eventually began working in the diplomatic service in Aachen, where he resolved issues of annexing the city to customs union Prussia. In 1838, he was assigned to military service, but he did not stay there for long, as his mother died. Bismarck's further career became associated with the management of the estates he inherited in Pomerania.

Compared to his student years, he became more serious, began to think about increasing profits from the estates and soon became a respected landowner, and soon got married.

In 1847, he became a deputy in the United Landtag of the Kingdom of Prussia, and after his first speech in his new position he became famous, but scandalous.

In 1848, a series of revolutions took place in Europe, Bismarck was inspired and wanted to send an army to Berlin, but gave up, since the king gave in to the people in their demands for the unification of Germany and the formation of the Constitution.

He did not get into the newly created Prussian National Assembly because of his scandalous reputation, so he returned to his estate and began writing articles for the Kreuzzeitung newspaper. In 1848, the king finally sent in troops and created a Constitution, and a year later Bismarck again became a deputy.

A year later, a conflict arose between Prussia and Austria, and the king appointed Bismarck as the representative of Prussia. During the Crimean War, Bismarck was opposed to Austrian support and advocated the German Confederation.

In April 1857, he visited the French Emperor Napoleon III, with whom he wanted to sign an alliance with Russia and France. But due to the death of the emperor, the alliance could not be concluded, and Bismarck was sent to work as ambassador to Russia.

He stayed there until 1861, communicating with the Tsar and Vice-Chancellor Gorchakov. In January 1861, after the death of the king, Bismarck became ambassador to Paris.

In September 1862, he gave a speech to the budget committee of parliament, in which he said the famous words about the way to unite Germany - with iron and blood and advocated an active foreign policy.

In 1864, a war broke out between Germany and Denmark, as a result of which the cities of Schleswig and Holstein, which were disputed territories.

The cities were divided with Austria, with which a conflict had long been brewing. In 1866, the Austro-Prussian-Italian War began, in which Bismarck defeated the Austrians and concluded a peace treaty with them.

After this, in 1867, Bismarck began to work on the creation of the North German Confederation and its Constitution. By that time he was already chancellor, and soon his work received light - the North German Confederation was formed. The French opposed this and started the Franco-Prussian War in 1880, where Bismarck again won, for which he received the title of prince, a new estate, Wilhelm the First became emperor, and Germany itself became the Second Reich.

After the annexation of numerous lands to Germany, Bismarck began to carry out the Kulturkampf - the struggle for the cultural unification of the country, and already in 1871 he issued an order on the Cathedral Paragraph, according to which it was forbidden to hold political propaganda. In 1873, a law was passed on state control over religious educational institutions, the law on registering marriage in state institutions, the church was deprived of any funding from the state.

After this, the Vatican was outraged by Bismarck’s actions, but he was adamant and even expelled a number of religious figures from the country. The people were also against it, but in order to pacify them, Bismarck agreed to rapprochement with the National Liberals and their leader Lasker.

After the Second Reich, Bismarck considered issues of strengthening the country, as it became clear that Germany would not become dominant in Europe, since Austria, as well as France, which was still lurking, interfered with this too much.

To strengthen his forces, Bismarck began to get closer to Russia and signed with it the London Convention on Russia’s right to have a navy in the Black Sea. His next step was the conclusion of an agreement between Prussia, Austria and Russia. After Russian-Turkish war In 1878, Bismarck was the head of the congress following its results, and signed the Berlin Treaty on the establishment of new borders in Europe.

Russia was dissatisfied with the togas of the congress, so it began to oppose Germany, to which Bismarck, in fear, began to cooperate again with Austria, which hinted to him about a rapprochement between Russia and France. Not understanding what he was doing, Bismarck concluded a reciprocal treaty with Austria, to which Russia responded with a treaty with France, thus destroying the previous trusting relationship with Germany. Plans began to be developed to take over countries.

In 1879, Russia again broke with France, and in 1881 an agreement was concluded between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Russia. Thus, neutrality in the relationship was achieved. Bismarck tried to conclude an agreement with Britain, but she refused.

Bismarck was repeatedly attacked, which he tried to prevent by passing a law banning and controlling all clubs in the country, but was refused. In 1878, they tried to attack the emperor twice, which Bismarck declared a socialist evil and tried to pass a law banning socialists. Thus, Bismarck gathered many like-minded people around him, which allowed him to remain in office.

In 1882 he signed the Triple Alliance between Germany, Austria and Italy. In 1883 he proposed a project for workers' health insurance, and in 1889 a law on pensions. In 1881, Germany acquired new colonies in Africa.

In 1890, the new emperor removed him from service, but Bismarck continued to be an influential figure and became a member of the Reichstag. In retirement, he began to write memoirs, but due to poor health and the death of his wife, he died on July 30, 1898.

Achievements of Otto Bismarck:

United Germany

Dates from the biography of Otto Bismarck:

April 1, 1815 - born in Germany
1822-1827 – study at the Plaman school
1847 – deputy
1857-1861 – Ambassador to Russia
1862 – Chancellor of Germany
1864 – annexation of Schleswig and Holstein
1867 - formation of the North German Confederation
1871 – Kulturkampf
1890 – resignation
July 30, 1898 - death

Interesting Facts Otto Bismarck:

In his youth he was hot-tempered and took part in 27 duels
Attended the coronation of Nicholas II
Lincoln, the flagship, the archipelago, the sea, the capital of a state in the USA, a cape and a school bear his name.

Otto Bismarck is one of the most famous politicians of the 19th century. He had a significant influence on political life in Europe, developed a security system. Played a key role in uniting the Germanic peoples into one nation state. He was awarded many awards and titles. Subsequently, historians and politicians will have different assessments of the Second Reich, which was created by Otto von Bismarck. The biography of the chancellor is still a stumbling block between representatives of different political movements. In this article we will take a closer look at it.

Otto von Bismarck: short 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. The Bismarcks had a small estate and held various military and civilian posts in the Prussian nomenklatura. By the standards of 19th-century German nobility, the family had rather modest resources.

Young Otto was sent to the Plaman school, where students were hardened by hard physical exercises. The mother was an ardent Catholic and wanted her son to be raised in strict conservatism. TO adolescence Otto transferred to the gymnasium. There he did not establish himself as a diligent student. I couldn’t boast of any success in my studies either. But at the same time I read a lot and was interested in politics and history. He studied the features of the political structure of Russia and France. I even studied 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 studying in Göttingen. Law and jurisprudence were chosen as the direction. Young Otto was to become a Prussian diplomat.

Bismarck's behavior in Hanover, where he trained, is legendary. He did not want to study law, so he preferred a wild life to studying. Like all elite youth, he often visited entertainment venues and made many friends among the nobles. It was at this time that the hot temper of the future chancellor manifested itself. He often gets into skirmishes and disputes, which he prefers to resolve with a duel. According to the recollections of university friends, in just a few years of his stay in Göttingen, Otto participated in 27 duels. As a lifelong memory of his stormy youth, he had a scar on his cheek after one of these competitions.

Leaving the university

Luxurious life side by side with the children of aristocrats and politicians was unaffordable for Bismarck's relatively modest family. And constant participation in troubles caused problems with the law and the management of the university. So, without receiving a diploma, Otto went to Berlin, where he entered another university. Which he graduated a year later. After this, he decided to follow his mother’s advice and become a diplomat. Each figure at that time was personally approved by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. After studying Bismarck's case and learning about his problems with the law in Hanover, he refused to give the young graduate a job.

After the collapse of his hopes of becoming a diplomat, Otto works in Anhen, where he deals with minor organizational issues. According to the recollections of Bismarck himself, the work did not require significant effort from him, and he could devote himself to self-development and relaxation. But even in his new place, the future chancellor has problems with the law, so after a few years he enlists in the army. His 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 successful work he significantly raises the status of the estate and increases his income. From a serene youth he turns into a respected cadet. Nevertheless, the hot temper continues to remind itself. The neighbors called Otto "mad."

A few years later, Bismarck's sister Malvina arrives from Berlin. He becomes very close to her due to their common interests and outlook on life. Around the same time, he became an ardent Lutheran and read the Bible every day. The future chancellor's engagement to Johanna Puttkamer takes place.

The beginning of the political path

In the 40s of the 19th century, a fierce struggle for power began in Prussia between liberals and conservatives. To relieve tension, Kaiser Friedrich Wilhelm convenes the Landtag. Elections are being held in local administrations. Otto decides to go into politics without special effort becomes a deputy. From his first days in the Landtag, Bismarck gained fame. Newspapers write about him as a “mad cadet from Pomerania.” He speaks quite harshly about liberals. He composes entire articles of devastating criticism of Georg Finke. His speeches are quite expressive and inspiring, so that Bismarck quickly becomes a significant figure in the camp of conservatives.

Confrontation with liberals

At this time, a serious crisis is brewing in the country. A series of revolutions are taking place in neighboring states. Inspired by it, liberals are conducting active propaganda among the working and poor German population. Strikes and walkouts occur repeatedly. Against this background, food prices are constantly rising and unemployment is growing. As a result, the social crisis leads to revolution. It was organized by patriots together with liberals, demanding that the king adopt a new Constitution and unite all German lands into one national state. Bismarck was very frightened of this revolution; he sent the king a letter asking him to entrust him with the army’s march on Berlin. But Frederick makes concessions and partially agrees with the demands of the rebels. As a result, bloodshed was avoided, and the reforms were not as radical as in France or Austria.

In response to the victory of the liberals, a camarilla is created - an organization of conservative reactionaries. Bismarck immediately joins it and conducts active propaganda through the media. By agreement with the king, a military coup took place in 1848, and the right regained its lost positions. But Frederick is in no hurry to empower his new allies, and Bismarck is actually removed from power.

Conflict with Austria

At this time, the German lands were greatly fragmented into large and small principalities, which in one way or another depended on Austria and Prussia. These two states waged a constant struggle for the right to be considered the unifying center of the German nation. By the end of the 40s, there was a serious conflict over the Principality of Erfurt. Relations deteriorated sharply, and rumors began to spread about possible mobilization. Bismarck takes an active part in resolving the conflict, and he manages to insist on signing agreements with Austria in Olmütz, since, in his opinion, Prussia was not able to resolve the conflict militarily.

Bismarck believes that it is necessary to begin long-term preparations for the destruction of Austrian dominance in the so-called German space. For this, according to Otto, it is necessary to conclude an alliance with France and Russia. Therefore, with the beginning of the Crimean War, he actively campaigned not to enter into the conflict on the side of Austria. His efforts bear fruit: there is no mobilization, and the German states remain neutral. The king sees promise in the plans of the “mad cadet” and sends him as ambassador to France. After negotiations with Napoleon III, Bismarck was suddenly recalled from Paris and sent to Russia.

Otto in Russia

Contemporaries say that the formation of the Iron Chancellor’s personality 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 negotiation skills. This is what Otto devoted himself to 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 started learning Russian. After a few years I could already speak it fluently. “Language gives me the opportunity to understand the very way of thinking and logic of the Russians,” wrote Otto von Bismarck. The biography of the “mad” student and cadet brought disrepute to the diplomat and interfered with successful activities in many countries, but not in Russia. This is another reason why Otto liked our country.

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

But Bismarck’s quotes about Russia cannot be called flattering: “Never trust the Russians, for the Russians do not even trust themselves”; “Russia is dangerous because of the meagerness of its needs.”

Prime Minister

Gorchakov taught Otto the basics of aggressive foreign policy, which was very necessary for Prussia. After the king's death, the "mad cadet" is sent to Paris as a diplomat. He faces the serious task of preventing the restoration of the long-standing alliance between France and England. The new government in Paris, created after the next revolution, had a negative attitude towards the ardent conservative from Prussia. But Bismarck managed to convince the French of the need for mutual cooperation with Russian Empire and German lands. The ambassador selected only trusted people for his team. Assistants selected candidates, then Otto Bismarck himself examined them. short biography The applicants were compiled by the king's secret police.

Successful work in establishing international relations allowed Bismarck to become Prime Minister of Prussia. In this position he won true love people. Otto von Bismarck graced the front pages of German newspapers every week. The politician's quotes became popular far abroad. Such fame in the press is due to the Prime Minister’s love of populist statements. For example, the words: “The great questions of the time are decided not by speeches and resolutions of the majority, but by iron and blood!” are still used on a par with similar statements of rulers Ancient Rome. One of the most famous sayings Otto von Bismarck: “Stupidity is a gift from God, but it should not be abused.”

Prussian territorial expansion

Prussia has long set itself the goal of uniting all German lands into one state. For this purpose, 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 German world was Austria. In 1866, relations with Denmark sharply worsened. Part of the kingdom was occupied by ethnic Germans. Under pressure from the nationalist-minded part of the public, they began to demand the right to self-determination. At this time, Chancellor Otto Bismarck secured the full support of the king and received expanded rights. The war with Denmark began. Prussian troops occupied the territory of Holstein without any problems and divided it with Austria.

Because of these lands, a new conflict arose with the neighbor. The Habsburgs, who were seated in Austria, were losing their position in Europe after a series of revolutions and coups that overthrew representatives of the dynasty in other countries. In the 2 years after the Danish War, hostility between Austria and Prussia grew geometric progression. First came trade blockades and political pressure. But very soon it became clear that it would not be possible to avoid a direct military conflict. Both countries began to mobilize their populations. Otto von Bismarck played a key role in the conflict. Having briefly outlined his goals to the king, he immediately went to Italy to enlist her support. The Italians themselves also had claims to Austria, seeking to take possession of Venice. In 1866 the war began. Prussian troops managed to quickly capture part of the territories and force the Habsburgs to sign a peace treaty on terms favorable to themselves.

Land unification

Now all the ways for the unification of the German lands were open. Prussia set a course for the creation of the North German Confederation, the constitution for which was written by Otto von Bismarck himself. The Chancellor's quotes about the unity of the German people gained popularity in northern France. The growing influence of Prussia greatly worried the French. The Russian Empire also began to wait warily to see what Otto von Bismarck, whose short biography is described in the article, would do. The history of Russian-Prussian relations during the reign of the Iron Chancellor is very revealing. The politician managed to assure Alexander II of his intentions to cooperate with the Empire in the future.

But the French could not be convinced of this. As a result, another war began. A few years earlier, army reform was carried out in Prussia, as a result of which a regular army was created. Military spending also increased. Thanks to this and the successful actions of German generals, France suffered a number of major defeats. Napoleon III was captured. Paris was forced to agree, losing a number of territories.

On a wave of triumph, the Second Reich is proclaimed, Wilhelm becomes emperor, and his confidant- Otto Bismarck. Quotes from Roman generals at the coronation gave the chancellor another nickname - “triumphant”; since then he was often depicted on a Roman chariot and with a wreath on his head.

Heritage

Constant wars and internal political squabbles seriously undermined the politician’s health. He went on vacation several times, but was forced to return due to a new crisis. Even after 65 years, he continued to take an active part in all political processes countries. Not a single meeting of the Landtag took place unless Otto von Bismarck was present. Interesting facts about the life of the chancellor are described below.

For 40 years in politics, he achieved enormous success. Prussia expanded its territories and was able to gain superiority in German space. Contacts were established with the Russian Empire and France. All these achievements would not have been possible without a figure like Otto Bismarck. The photo of the chancellor in profile and wearing a combat helmet became a kind of symbol of his unyieldingly tough foreign and domestic policy.

• Bismarck began his morning with physical exercise and prayers.
• While in Russia, Otto learned to speak Russian.
• In St. Petersburg, Bismarck was invited to participate in the royal fun. This is bear hunting in the forests. The German even managed to kill several animals. But during the next sortie, the detachment got lost, and the diplomat received serious frostbite on his legs. Doctors predicted amputation, but everything worked out.
• In his youth, Bismarck was an avid duelist. He took part in 27 duels and received a scar on his face in one of them.
• Otto von Bismarck was once asked how he chose his profession. He replied: “I was destined by nature to become a diplomat: I was born on the first of April.”

Otto Bismarck is one of the most famous politicians of the 19th century. He had a significant influence on political life in Europe and developed a security system. Played a key role in uniting the German peoples into a single national state. He was awarded many awards and titles. Subsequently, historians and politicians will have different assessments of the Second Reich, which was created by Otto von Bismarck. The biography of the chancellor is still a stumbling block between representatives of different political movements. In this article we will take a closer look at it.

Otto von Bismarck: short 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. The Bismarcks had a small estate and held various military and civilian posts in the Prussian nomenklatura. By the standards of 19th-century German nobility, the family had rather modest resources.

Young Otto was sent to the Plaman school, where students were hardened by hard physical exercises. The mother was an ardent Catholic and wanted her son to be raised in strict conservatism. By the time he was a teenager, Otto transferred to a gymnasium. There he did not establish himself as a diligent student. I couldn’t boast of any success in my studies either. But at the same time I read a lot and was interested in politics and history. He studied the features of the political structure of Russia and France. I 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 studying in Göttingen. Law and jurisprudence were chosen as the direction. Young Otto was to become a Prussian diplomat.

Bismarck's behavior in Hanover, where he trained, is legendary. He did not want to study law, so he preferred a wild life to studying. Like all elite youth, he often visited entertainment venues and made many friends among the nobles. It was at this time that the hot temper of the future chancellor manifested itself. He often gets into skirmishes and disputes, which he prefers to resolve with a duel. According to the recollections of university friends, in just a few years of his stay in Göttingen, Otto participated in 27 duels. As a lifelong memory of his stormy youth, he had a scar on his cheek after one of these competitions.

Leaving the university

A luxurious life alongside the children of aristocrats and politicians was beyond the means of Bismarck's relatively modest family. And constant participation in troubles caused problems with the law and the management of the university. So, without receiving a diploma, Otto went to Berlin, where he entered another university. Which he graduated a year later. After this, he decided to follow his mother’s advice and become a diplomat. Each figure at that time was personally approved by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. After studying Bismarck's case and learning about his problems with the law in Hanover, he refused to give the young graduate a job.

After the collapse of his hopes of becoming a diplomat, Otto works in Anhen, where he deals with minor organizational issues. According to the recollections of Bismarck himself, the work did not require significant effort from him, and he could devote himself to self-development and relaxation. But even in his new place, the future chancellor has problems with the law, so after a few years he enlists in the army. His 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 youth he turns into a respected cadet. Nevertheless, the hot temper continues to remind itself. The neighbors called Otto "mad."

A few years later, Bismarck's sister Malvina arrives from Berlin. He becomes very close to her due to their common interests and outlook on life. Around the same time, he became an ardent Lutheran and read the Bible every day. The future chancellor's engagement to Johanna Puttkamer takes place.

The beginning of the political path

In the 40s of the 19th century, a fierce struggle for power began in Prussia between liberals and conservatives. To relieve tension, Kaiser Friedrich Wilhelm convenes the Landtag. Elections are being held in local administrations. Otto decides to go into politics and without much effort becomes a deputy. From his first days in the Landtag, Bismarck gained fame. Newspapers write about him as a “mad cadet from Pomerania.” He speaks quite harshly about liberals. He composes entire articles of devastating criticism of Georg Finke. His speeches are quite expressive and inspiring, so that Bismarck quickly becomes a significant figure in the camp of conservatives.

Confrontation with liberals

At this time, a serious crisis is brewing in the country. A series of revolutions are taking place in neighboring states. Inspired by it, liberals are conducting active propaganda among the working and poor German population. Strikes and walkouts occur repeatedly. Against this background, food prices are constantly rising and unemployment is growing. As a result, the social crisis leads to revolution. It was organized by patriots together with liberals, demanding that the king adopt a new Constitution and unite all German lands into one national state. Bismarck was very frightened of this revolution; he sent the king a letter asking him to entrust him with the army’s march on Berlin. But Frederick makes concessions and partially agrees with the demands of the rebels. As a result, bloodshed was avoided, and the reforms were not as radical as in France or Austria.

In response to the victory of the liberals, a camarilla is created - an organization of conservative reactionaries. Bismarck immediately joins it and conducts active propaganda through the media. By agreement with the king, a military coup took place in 1848, and the right regained its lost positions. But Frederick is in no hurry to empower his new allies, and Bismarck is actually removed from power.

Conflict with Austria

At this time, the German lands were greatly fragmented into large and small principalities, which in one way or another depended on Austria and Prussia. These two states waged a constant struggle for the right to be considered the unifying center of the German nation. By the end of the 40s, there was a serious conflict over the Principality of Erfurt. Relations deteriorated sharply, and rumors began to spread about possible mobilization. Bismarck takes an active part in resolving the conflict, and he manages to insist on signing agreements with Austria in Olmütz, since, in his opinion, Prussia was not able to resolve the conflict militarily.

Bismarck believes that it is necessary to begin long-term preparations for the destruction of Austrian dominance in the so-called German space. For this, according to Otto, it is necessary to conclude an alliance with France and Russia. Therefore, with the beginning of the Crimean War, he actively campaigned not to enter into the conflict on the side of Austria. His efforts bear fruit: there is no mobilization, and the German states remain neutral. The king sees promise in the plans of the “mad cadet” and sends him as ambassador to France. After negotiations with Napoleon III, Bismarck was suddenly recalled from Paris and sent to Russia.

Otto in Russia

Contemporaries say that the formation of the Iron Chancellor’s personality 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 negotiation skills. This is what Otto devoted himself to 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 policies pursued by the emperor, so he carefully studied Russian history. I even started learning Russian. After a few years I could already speak it fluently. “Language gives me the opportunity to understand the very way of thinking and logic of the Russians,” wrote Otto von Bismarck. The biography of the “mad” student and cadet brought disrepute to the diplomat and interfered with successful activities in many countries, but not in Russia. This is another reason why Otto liked our country.

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

But Bismarck’s quotes about Russia cannot be called flattering: “Never trust the Russians, for the Russians do not even trust themselves”; “Russia is dangerous because of the meagerness of its needs.”

Prime Minister

Gorchakov taught Otto the basics of an aggressive foreign policy, which was very necessary for Prussia. After the king's death, the "mad cadet" is sent to Paris as a diplomat. He faces the serious task of preventing the restoration of the long-standing alliance between France and England. The new government in Paris, created after the next revolution, had a negative attitude towards 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. The ambassador selected only trusted people for his team. Assistants selected candidates, then Otto Bismarck himself examined them. A short biography of the applicants was compiled by the king's secret police.

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. Otto von Bismarck graced the front pages of German newspapers every week. The politician's quotes became popular far abroad. Such fame in the press is due to the Prime Minister’s love of populist statements. For example, the words: “The great questions of the time are decided not by speeches and resolutions of the majority, but by iron and blood!” are still used on a par with similar statements by the rulers of Ancient Rome. One of the most famous sayings of Otto von Bismarck: “Stupidity is a gift of God, but it should not be abused.”

Prussian territorial expansion

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

Because of these lands, a new conflict arose with the neighbor. The Habsburgs, who were seated in Austria, were losing their position in Europe after a series of revolutions and coups that overthrew representatives of the dynasty in other countries. In the 2 years after the Danish War, hostility between Austria and Prussia grew exponentially. First came trade blockades and political pressure. But very soon it became clear that it would not be possible to avoid a direct military conflict. Both countries began to mobilize their populations. Otto von Bismarck played a key role in the conflict. Having briefly outlined his goals to the king, he immediately went to Italy to enlist her support. The Italians themselves also had claims to Austria, seeking to take possession of Venice. In 1866 the war began. Prussian troops managed to quickly capture part of the territories and force the Habsburgs to sign a peace treaty on terms favorable to themselves.

Land unification

Now all the ways for the unification of the German lands were open. Prussia set a course for the creation of the North German Confederation, the constitution for which was written by Otto von Bismarck himself. The Chancellor's quotes about the unity of the German people gained popularity in northern France. The growing influence of Prussia greatly worried the French. The Russian Empire also began to wait warily to see what Otto von Bismarck, whose short biography is described in the article, would do. The history of Russian-Prussian relations during the reign of the Iron Chancellor is very revealing. The politician managed to assure Alexander II of his intentions to cooperate with the Empire in the future.

But the French could not be convinced of this. As a result, another war began. A few years earlier, army reform was carried out in Prussia, as a result of which a regular army was created. Military spending also increased. Thanks to this and the successful actions of German generals, France suffered a number of major defeats. Napoleon III was captured. Paris was forced to agree, losing a number of territories.

On a wave of triumph, the Second Reich is proclaimed, Wilhelm becomes emperor, and Otto Bismarck becomes his confidant. Quotes from Roman generals at the coronation gave the chancellor another nickname - “triumphant”; since then he was often depicted on a Roman chariot and with a wreath on his head.

Heritage

Constant wars and internal political squabbles seriously undermined the politician’s health. He went on vacation several times, but was forced to return due to a new crisis. Even after 65 years, he continued to take an active part in all political processes in the country. Not a single meeting of the Landtag took place unless Otto von Bismarck was present. Interesting facts about the life of the chancellor are described below.

For 40 years in politics, he achieved enormous success. Prussia expanded its territories and was able to gain superiority in German space. Contacts were established with the Russian Empire and France. All these achievements would not have been possible without a figure like Otto Bismarck. The photo of the chancellor in profile and wearing a combat helmet became a kind of symbol of his unyieldingly tough foreign and domestic policy.

• Bismarck began his mornings with physical exercise and prayer.
• While in Russia, Otto learned to speak Russian.
• In St. Petersburg, Bismarck was invited to participate in the royal fun. This is bear hunting in the forests. The German even managed to kill several animals. But during the next sortie, the detachment got lost, and the diplomat received serious frostbite on his legs. Doctors predicted amputation, but everything worked out.
• In his youth, Bismarck was an avid duelist. He took part in 27 duels and received a scar on his face in one of them.
• Otto von Bismarck was once asked how he chose his profession. He replied: “I was destined by nature to become a diplomat: I was born on the first of April.”