Last Updated:

2024-03-01 10:44:57

Otto von Bismarck

Prominent Prussian statesman and first Chancellor of Germany



Prominent Prussian statesman and first Chancellor of Germany

Otto von Bismarck, a key figure in German unification, served as the first chancellor of the German Empire. His Realpolitik and powerful rule earned him the title Iron Chancellor. Bismarck's diplomatic skills and strategic wars led to the formation of the German Empire in 1871. He implemented domestic policies such as creating the first modern welfare state and engaging in political maneuvering to maintain power. Despite criticism for his centralization of power and policies towards Poles and Catholics, Bismarck is praised for his role in maintaining peace in Europe through diplomacy.

Frederick William III of Prussia Friedrich Nietzsche Ottoman Empire Karl Marx Adolf Hitler Martin Luther Benito Mussolini Olaf Scholz Immanuel Kant Karl Nehammer

1815-04-01

Birth of Otto Von Bismarck

Otto Von Bismarck was born on April 1, 1815. His entry into Prussia's most exciting and influential time in its history was perfect, and allowed him to significantly affect the fate of not only Prussia, but Europe itself.

1832-05-10

Start of Law Studies

At the age of seventeen, on May 10, 1832, Otto von Bismarck began studying law at the University of Göttingen. He later continued his studies at the Friedrich Wilhelms University in Berlin and graduated from the First State Exam in 1835.

1838

Beginning Compulsory Military Service in Prussian Army

In 1838, Bismarck started a shortened compulsory military service in the Prussian Army, actively serving as a one-year volunteer before becoming an officer in the Landwehr.

1847-05-17

Otto Von Bismarck Attacked Liberal Policies in Diet

On May 17, 1847, Otto Von Bismarck criticized and opposed the liberal policies during a session of the Diet. This event showcased Bismarck's early political stance against liberalism.

1847-07-28

Bismarck's Anti-Liberal Stance

Bismarck gained recognition by expressing his opposition to liberalism and criticizing liberals, particularly stating that liberalism would be detrimental to Prussia. This stance drew the attention of Wilhelm I, who shared similar views with Bismarck.

1848-01-26

Revolutions of 1848

Bismarck opposed the populist belief of liberalism during the revolutions of 1848 in Europe, advocating for monarchy instead.

1849

Bismarck elected to the Landtag

In 1849, Otto von Bismarck was elected to the Landtag where he initially opposed the unification of Germany, fearing Prussia would lose its independence. He later accepted his appointment as one of Prussia's representatives at the Erfurt Parliament to effectively oppose the proposals for union.

1850-09

Punctation of Olmütz

In September 1850, Prussia was humiliated and forced to back down by Austria in the Punctation of Olmütz after a dispute over the Electorate of Hesse. The plan for the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership was also abandoned.

1851

Bismarck appointed as Prussia's envoy to the Diet of the German Confederation

In 1851, Frederick William IV appointed Bismarck as Prussia's envoy to the Diet of the German Confederation in Frankfurt. Bismarck engaged in a battle of wills with the Austrian representative and gradually became more accepting of the notion of a united German nation.

1854

Bismarck's Opposition to Close Cooperation with Austria

In 1854, Bismarck opposed close cooperation with Austria, realizing that it would relegate Prussia to a secondary position in central Europe. This marked a shift in his views towards German nationalism and Prussian foreign policy.

1857-01-26

Ambassador to Russia

Bismarck served as an ambassador to Russia in 1857.

1859

Bismarck proposes territorial expansion for Prussia

During the Italian War of 1859, Bismarck suggested that Prussia should take advantage of Austria's weakness to expand its frontiers southwards to Lake Constance on the Swiss border.

1861

Bismarck's antagonism towards Poles

Bismarck expressed hostility towards the Poles, denouncing the educated Polish bourgeoisie and revolutionaries, and advocating for harsh measures against them.

1862-05-19

Bismarck appointed as Ambassador to France

On May 19, 1862, Otto von Bismarck was appointed as an Ambassador to France. This appointment marked a significant diplomatic move in Bismarck's career.

1862-08-30

Blood and Iron Speech

Bismarck gained public favor by emphasizing the importance of taking decisive actions rather than engaging in endless debates without achieving any results.

1862-09-01

Otto von Bismarck Becomes Prime Minister

Otto von Bismarck assumed the position of Prime Minister on September 1, 1862.

1862-09-23

Appointment as Prime Minister

Bismarck was appointed as the Prime Minister, a significant position that marked a pivotal moment in his political career.

1864

Second Schleswig War

Bismarck faced a diplomatic crisis when King Frederick VII of Denmark died in November 1863, leading to a dispute over the succession to the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. With support from Austria, Prussia invaded Denmark, ultimately forcing Denmark to renounce its claim on both duchies.

1865-01-26

Defeat of Denmark

In 1865, Bismarck forced Denmark to give up both of its duchies, leading to the defeat of Denmark. As a result, Bismarck was granted the title of Count later that year.

1865-08-20

Gastein Convention

Bismarck induced Austria to agree to the Gastein Convention, where Prussia received Schleswig and Austria received Holstein. This agreement marked a significant step towards the unification of Germany under Prussian dominance.

1866-01-26

Austro-Prussian War

Bismarck achieved victory in the Austro-Prussian War with the support of Italy, leading to the defeat of Austria.

1868-10-18

Bismarck's Attempt to Acquire Duchy of Saxe-Lauenburg

Bismarck desired to be assimilated into the mediatized houses of Germany by persuading Kaiser Wilhelm I to grant him the sovereign Duchy of Saxe-Lauenburg. However, the conservative emperor rejected this novel idea, offering Bismarck only the honorific title of 'Duke of Lauenburg' without the duchy itself.

1870-01-26

Franco-Prussian War

Following the defeat of France and the capture of Napoleon, Bismarck pushed for the unification of Germany.

1871-01-01

Otto von Bismarck becomes the first Reich Chancellor of Germany

Otto von Bismarck becomes the first Reich Chancellor of Germany in 1871, marking the establishment of the German Empire.

1871-01-18

Proclamation of the German Empire

Wilhelm was crowned emperor of a unified Germany in a grand ceremony in the Hall of Mirrors on January 18, 1871, with Bismarck appointed as chancellor.

1871-03-21

German Empire Founded

After the north and south were united, the German Empire was founded in 1871. King Wilhelm I became emperor and Bismarck was promoted to chancellor on March 21, 1871.

1871-05-17

Appointment as Chancellor and Prince of German Empire

Otto von Bismarck achieved his lifelong goal of unifying Germany under Prussian control, culminating in his appointment as Chancellor and Prince of the German Empire.

1873

Formation of the League of the Three Emperors

In 1873, Bismarck formed the League of the Three Emperors, an alliance between Wilhelm, Tsar Alexander II of Russia, and Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria-Hungary. The alliance aimed to control Eastern Europe and maintain stability by keeping restive ethnic groups such as the Poles under control.

1875

War Scare with France

In mid-1875, a war scare occurred between Germany and France when an editorial published in a Berlin newspaper close to the government indicated talks of launching a preventive war against France. This led to a crisis where Britain and Russia warned against such actions, causing Bismarck to reconsider his aggressive tactics.

1876

Proposal of a Law Banning Leftist-Style Parties in Parliament

In early 1876, Otto von Bismarck proposed a law to ban leftist-style parties in the German parliament. Despite his efforts to secure a majority vote, the law did not pass. This was part of Bismarck's ongoing battle against socialist influences.

1877

Bismarck Memorial at Bad Kissingen

The first monument built in honor of Bismarck, located in Bad Kissingen, Germany. Citizens praised him and established funds to build monuments and towers dedicated to him after he left office.

1878

Outlawing of Socialist Democratic Party

Bismarck outlawed the Socialist Democratic Party in 1878 as part of his domestic reforms to suppress political opposition, viewing them as a threat to the state.

1879

Bismarck enacts tariffs to protect German agriculture

In 1879, Bismarck enacted tariffs to protect German agriculture and industry from foreign competitors, gaining support from conservative factions.

1881

Bismarck introduces social insurance in Germany

In 1881, Bismarck introduced social insurance in Germany to improve the well-being of workers, maintain the efficiency of the German economy, and counter radical socialist movements. Despite being known for his right-wing beliefs, Bismarck was labeled a socialist for implementing these programs.

1883

Sickness Insurance Law of 1883

Bismarck passed the Sickness Insurance Bill in 1883 to provide sickness insurance for German industrial laborers, with costs divided between employers and employees. The bill established a health service on a local basis, with employers contributing one third and workers contributing two-thirds.

1884-03-15

Bismarck's Reichstag Speech on the Law for Workmen's Compensation

Bismarck implemented positive social benefits such as accident and old-age insurance, as well as socialized medicine to win the allegiance of working classes to the conservative regime. He emphasized the state's responsibility to care for its helpless citizens.

1888-02

Bismarck's Address to the Reichstag

Bismarck warned of the dangers of a European war during the Bulgarian crisis, emphasizing the desire for peace and the futility of war over minor issues.

1888-06-15

Wilhelm II dismisses Bismarck

Wilhelm II dismissed Bismarck, who had tried to undermine Frederick III and Victoria. Bismarck's plan backfired as Wilhelm II shared his father's belief in reducing the chancellor's power.

1889

Germany adopts old-age social insurance program

In 1889, Germany became the first nation to implement an old-age social insurance program. The program was designed by Germany's Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, following a proposal by Emperor William the First in 1881.

1890-03-18

Bismarck resigns as Imperial Chancellor

Bismarck resigned from his position as Imperial Chancellor and Minister President of Prussia at the insistence of Wilhelm II on March 18, 1890. He was 75 years old at the time.

1890-04-18

Bismarck Resigns

Otto von Bismarck was forced to resign by Kaiser Wilhelm II due to conflicts over foreign policy in Germany. This event marked the end of Bismarck's influential political career.

1894-11-27

Bismarck's wife passes away

After the death of his wife on November 27, 1894, Bismarck's health began to deteriorate further.

1897-03-22

Gift of Emperor Oak Trees by Bismarck

In 1897, Otto von Bismarck gifted two powerful Emperor Oak trees to the towns of Birkholz and Schwanebeck from his possession Sachsenwald I during a ceremony commemorating the 100th birthday of Wilhelm I.

1898-07-30

Death of Otto von Bismarck

Otto von Bismarck passed away on July 30, 1898, at the age of 83 in Friedrichsruh, near Hamburg. He served as the chancellor of the German Empire from 1871 to 1890 and played a significant role in shaping European politics during his time.

1900-08

Death of Otto von Bismarck

Otto von Bismarck passed away in July 1898 after being forced to resign from his position. His legacy continued to impact Germany and the world long after his death.

1906

Unveiling of Bismarck Monument in Hamburg

The gleaming white 1906 Bismarck Monument in Hamburg, located in the St. Pauli district, is the largest and most famous memorial to Otto von Bismarck worldwide. The statues depicted him as massive, monolithic, rigid, and unambiguous.

1916

Lowering of retirement age to 65

In 1916, the retirement age was lowered to 65, 27 years after the initial implementation. This change occurred 18 years after the death of Otto von Bismarck.

2006

Re-erection of Bismarck Memorial at Rudelsburg

In 2006, the only memorial depicting Otto von Bismarck as a student at Göttingen University and as a member of his Corps Hannovera, along with a dog, was re-erected at the Rudelsburg.

End of the Timeline
Otto von Bismarck