Prior to the 19th century, a unified Germany seemed nothing more then an idealistic dream. This dream was that the thirty-nine states of a once great empire could again be joined together and become a major power in central Europe. Many believed that a unified Germany was key to the aspect of peace between the warring super powers of Europe. The unification came a step closer in 1815 with the formation of the German Confederation. However, the German states still felt little kinship with each of the thirty-nine states. What they needed was a father figure to lead them, to bring them together. This figure would be Prussia, and in 1834 the confederation established the Zollverein under Prussian leadership.

"He was not striving for world-dominion nor for boundless power, but for the means to secure and strengthen his Prussian Fatherland. So much acquisition of power and of territory as was necessary for this he laid hold of with iron grasp-so much and no more. The intoxication of victory never disordered his judgment, nor got the mastery over his fixed principles of moderation." Hamerow p. 15

Without any strong ties with one another, the German states were nothing more then a median between two superpowers: France and Russia. These countries, if war broke out, would trample through the German states without giving it a second thought. The states were weak, undeveloped, disorganized, and begging for some type of guidance. This leadership would come from Prussia, with Otto von Bismarck at the wheel.

This quote describes Bismarck's role with parliament quite clearly. He left the parliament to deal with domestic matters only. This was to ensure everything outside of the country he would be in charge of. He kept his diplomatic secrets to himself. "For he had guarded the secrets of his trade jealously, like some statesman of the age of absolutism." Hamerow p. 11. Some say that this is the reason that the German Empire did not last. But actually the reason why the German Empire didn't last is because Bismarck was taken out of office before he had the chance to teach a successor how to deal with the alliances and international problems of the day. He set up the country, and it was that country that ended up shooting themselves in the foot by taking him out of office.

With almost everything in place, he only had one last final objective to complete the unification process. He needed to get the Southern German states to join with the Northern German sates. This would prove to be the most difficult task he has yet to encounter. In this final act of unification, Bismarck was able to show what a true diplomat he was. He was far above anyone else of the day. In the height of the crisis between Prussia and France over the Spanish crown, Bismarck took matters in his own hands. Any true leader would try to take a matter this important into their hands. With the telegram he received, he decisively changed the text around to make it look the French Ambassador and King William I exchanged indecorous remarks towards one another. This angered the French, and taking the bait like Bismarck hoped, they declared war. With previous alliances with the Southern German states, they quickly voted to join the North in the fight against the French. With the French defeated and the German Empire declared, Bismarck was at the height of his power in Europe.

"He has been portrayed as both the destroyer of liberty, and a compromiser with liberalism." Hamerow p.8

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Approximate Word count = 3387
Approximate Pages = 14 (250 words per page double spaced)