Bismarck: The Iron Chancellor

by Ullrich, Dr Volker

• ISBN13: 9781904950844
• ISBN10: 1904950841
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-05-15
• Publisher: Univ of Chicago Pr

Summary

Otto von Bismarck was a statesman whose political significance has been judged in a highly controversial way. On the one hand he is admired as the "founder of the Reich" and as a gifted diplomat. Others, however, condemn him as a reactionary nobleman and as a stubborn enemy of the socialist movement. Since the unexpected union of the two German states, which were the remnants of the original Reich founded by Bismarck, people have started to think anew about the role of the "Iron Chancellor". Ullrich offers a much-needed unbiased judgment of Bismarck, far from the common clichés that have distorted his image and legacy over the last decades.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Introduction	p. 1
Early influences 1815-32	p. 6
The 'Crazy Junker' 1832-47	p. 14
Bismarck's path to politics 1847-51	p. 25
Diplomatic apprenticeship 1851-62	p. 36
Prime Minister in waiting 1862-3	p. 48
I have beaten all of them, every single one! 1863-7	p. 56
The Founder of the Reich 1866-71	p. 70
Consolidation and preservation 1871-85	p. 82
The long departure from power 1885-90	p. 97
The Last Years 1890-8	p. 108
Assessment	p. 114
Notes	p. 122
Chronology	p. 140
Bibliography	p. 150
Picture Sources	p. 161
Index	p. 163
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