1. Realpolitik: Bismarck was a master of realpolitik, a pragmatic and realistic approach to politics that emphasized concrete interests over idealistic principles. He recognized the importance of military and diplomatic power in achieving his goals.
2. The Danish War: In 1864, Bismarck allied Prussia with Austria to defeat Denmark over the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. This successful military campaign bolstered Prussian prestige and weakened Austria, setting the stage for Prussia's eventual dominance over its rivals.
3. The Austro-Prussian War: In 1866, Bismarck engineered a conflict with Austria, his main rival for dominance in the German Confederation. Prussia, with its superior military organization, decisively defeated Austria in the Seven Weeks' War, leading to the dissolution of the German Confederation and the exclusion of Austria from German affairs.
4. Diplomatic Isolation of France: Bismarck skillfully isolated France diplomatically, preventing any European power from interfering with Prussia's plans. He achieved this by forming alliances with Russia and Austria-Hungary, ensuring their neutrality or support in case of war with France.
5. The Franco-Prussian War: In 1870, Bismarck engineered a diplomatic crisis that led to the Franco-Prussian War. France declared war on Prussia, expecting an easy victory. However, the Prussian army, under the leadership of Helmuth von Moltke, swiftly and decisively defeated the French forces.
6. The German Empire: With the French defeated, Bismarck presided over the unification of German states into the German Empire in 1871. He became its first chancellor, shaping its domestic and foreign policies for decades.
Throughout his leadership, Bismarck demonstrated exceptional diplomatic skills, strategic alliances, and a willingness to use military power when necessary. He skillfully managed domestic and international politics to achieve his primary goal: the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership.