1. Diplomacy: Bismarck was known as the "Iron Chancellor" due to his mastery of diplomacy. He used skillful negotiations and alliances to isolate potential adversaries and secure support for Prussian expansion. He forged alliances with Austria and Russia to neutralize potential threats and prevent them from aiding enemies of Prussia.
2. Realpolitik: Bismarck practiced realpolitik, which prioritized practical and power-based considerations over moral or ideological concerns. He opportunistically sought to achieve his goals by any means necessary, without being restrained by moral or ethical principles.
3. Military Power: Bismarck recognized that military strength was essential in achieving unification. He implemented military reforms to modernize and strengthen the Prussian army, leading to a well-trained and disciplined force. He also ensured Prussia had the necessary resources, supplies, and infrastructure to wage war effectively.
4. Wars and Territorial Gains: Bismarck used a series of wars to expand Prussian territory and influence within the German region. He provoked conflicts with Denmark (1864), Austria (1866), and France (1870) to gain strategic territories, weaken rival states, and consolidate power under Prussia.
5. Pragmatic Alliances: Bismarck was flexible and pragmatic in forming alliances. He abandoned old alliances when advantageous and formed new ones to achieve his goals. For instance, he dissolved the alliance with Austria after the victory in the Austro-Prussian War and formed an alliance with the newly established German Empire.
6. Economic Integration: Bismarck understood the importance of economic unity in strengthening the German nation. He introduced measures to create a unified economic space by standardizing currency, introducing common tariffs, and developing infrastructure such as railways and canals.
7. North German Confederation: Bismarck established the North German Confederation in 1867, a federal state comprising Prussian territories and other German states to the north. This marked a significant step towards unification but excluded southern German states such as Bavaria and Wurttemberg.
8. Franco-Prussian War and German Empire: The final step in unification came after the Franco-Prussian War in 1871. The victory over France led to the unification of the remaining German states and the proclamation of the German Empire. Bismarck became the first Chancellor of the new German Empire.