-
Otto von Bismarck is born
Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck is born in Schonhausen, Germany to an aristocratic family. His parents were Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand von Bismarck and Wilhelmine Luise Mencken. -
Period: to
The Life of Otto von Bismarck
-
Bismarck's childhood
Bismarck's childhood consists of attending Johann Ernst Plamann's secondary school and receiving a quality education. He spent much time on his parent's estate where his father was a former military officer and his mother was the daughter of a government official. -
Bismarck attends the University of Gottingen
At seventeen, Bismarck first attends college. During his time at the University of Gottingen, Bismarck meets many people who will have an impact on the rest of his life including John Motley, an American student. -
Bismarck attends the University of Berlin
For the next three years, Bismarck will study to be a diplomat and lawyer. -
Bismarck works as a lawyer for a few years
Bismarck is able to gain experience with persuasion and negotiation and this will greatly benefit him in the future. -
Bismarck married Johanna von Puttkamer
Bismarck married Puttkamer, a devout Lutheran, and they had three children, Herbert, Wilhelm, and Marie. -
Bismarck is elected to Prussian Legislature
This marks the first time Bismarck holds a diplomatic job. He is quickly able to excell and move forward in the political ladder. This is partially due to his great ability to negotiate with others. -
Bismarck appointed to Diet of the German Confederation in Frankfurt
This is the job which was really able to prove Bismarck's capabilities as a leader. He was able to keep good relations with big powers such as France and Russia, and he was also able to keep smaller neighboring countries such as Austria in fear. -
Bismarck becomes Prime Minister of Prussia
This gives Bismarck more power and opportunity to influence Prussia's policies and he had the job of improving relations with the Great Powers in Europe -
Bismarck gives his "Iron and Blood" speech
"Iron and Blood" VideoThis speech revealed Bismarck's point of view that the Prussian Empire should strengthen itself by unifying the German States and conquering neighboring countries with military force. -
Bismarck oversees Prussian victory in Franco-Prussian War
This battle proved the strength of the Prussian Empire when they defeated Napolean III's France and set Prussia up to be the strongest power in Europe. -
Bismarck issues the Kulturkampf in Prussia
Bismarck issued this policy to remove all Catholic influence from Prussia. He did not want the Catholic Church to have any power over his people in Prussia. -
Bismarck becomes 1st Chancellor of the German Empire
Bismarck was appointed Chancellor of the German Empire and now had almost complete power over foriegn and domestics policy of the Empire. -
Bismarck resigns
Bismarck finally decides to retire at age 75 and quietly lives the rest of his life at his estate -
Otto von Bismarck dies
Otto von Bismarck dies at his home by Hamburg, Germany.
