1. Realpolitik: Bismarck was a practitioner of realpolitik, a pragmatic and power-oriented approach to politics. He prioritized realizable goals and used practical means to achieve them, rather than relying solely on ideological or emotional motivations.
2. Realist Diplomacy: Bismarck employed deft diplomacy to isolate and weaken potential adversaries. He skillfully managed international relations and forged strategic alliances to avoid conflicts that might hinder German unification.
3. "Blood and Iron" Strategy: Bismarck famously stated that German unification would not be achieved "through speeches and majority resolutions - that was the big mistake of 1848 - but by blood and iron." He recognized the necessity of military power and was unafraid to use it to achieve his objectives.
4. Three Wars of Unification: Bismarck masterminded and orchestrated three wars (The Second Schleswig War, the Austro-Prussian War, and the Franco-Prussian War) that were instrumental in the process of unifying German states.
5. North German Confederation: In the aftermath of the Austro-Prussian war, Bismarck established the North German Confederation (1866), which excluded Austria and included most of the northern German states under Prussian dominance. This confederation served as a stepping stone towards German unification.
6. Unification of South German States: Bismarck skillfully navigated the complexities of south German politics, securing alliances with Bavaria, Baden, and Wurttemberg. He convinced them to join the North German Confederation, paving the way for the unification of all German states.
7. Negotiations and Alliances: Bismarck pursued diplomatic negotiations and treaties to gain international recognition and support for Prussian and German objectives. He secured the neutrality or favorable positions from key powers like France, Russia, and Great Britain.
8. Frankfurt Parliament: Bismarck initially opposed the revolutionary Frankfurt Parliament of 1848, but he later recognized its significance in promoting German nationalism. He drew on the sentiment of national unity, albeit on Prussian-dominated terms, to forge a unified Germany.
9. Prussian Dominance: Bismarck's policies ultimately strengthened the Prussian kingdom's position within the German Empire, making Prussia the dominant state. He secured the Prussian monarchy and his own position as Chancellor for many years.
10. Realpolitik Legacy: Bismarck's success in unifying Germany is often attributed to his mastery of realpolitik and his ability to combine diplomatic negotiations, military strategies, and political maneuvering. His legacy continues to influence political thought and leadership globally.
Bismarck's efforts and tactics were not without controversy or negative consequences, but his importance in the process of German unification cannot be overstated. His pragmatic and decisive leadership was instrumental in the formation of a unified German nation-state.