What is the best biography of Otto von Bismarck?

Steinberg has given us a major biography of the figure who placed his stamp on those events. This is the best one-volume life of Bismarck in English, much superior to older works by Alan Palmer and Edward Crankshaw. It brings us close to this galvanic, contradictory and ultimately self-destructive figure.

How did Bismarck influence ww1?

In the 1860s, the Kingdom of Prussia, led by Kaiser Wilhelm I and his prime minister, Otto von Bismarck, initiated a series of conflicts designed to unite the German states under their influence. In the resulting Treaty of Frankfurt which ended the war, France was forced to cede Alsace and Lorraine to Germany.

What role did Bismarck play in the build up to the Great War?

Although an arch-conservative, Bismarck introduced progressive reforms—including universal male suffrage and the establishment of the first welfare state—in order to achieve his goals. He manipulated European rivalries to make Germany a world power, but in doing so laid the groundwork for both World Wars.

What was Bismarck hoping to achieve in Germany in the late 19th century?

Bismarck used both diplomacy and the Prussian military to achieve unification, excluding Austria from a unified Germany. This made Prussia the most powerful and dominant component of the new Germany, but also ensured that it remained an authoritarian state and not a liberal parliamentary democracy.

When did Otto von Bismarck become chancellor?

1871
Otto von Bismarck served as prime minister of Prussia (1862–73, 1873–90) and was the founder and first chancellor (1871–90) of the German Empire.

What is Bismarck in ww1?

Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898), born on April 1, 1815 at Schönhausen, is considered the founder of the German Empire. For nearly three decades he shaped the fortunes of Germany, from 1862 to 1873 as prime minister of Prussia and from 1871 to 1890 as Germany’s first Chancellor.

What were Bismarck’s alliances?

The Dual Alliance (German: Doppelte Allianz, Hungarian: Kettős Szövetség) was a defensive alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary, which was created by treaty on October 7, 1879, as part of Germany’s Otto von Bismarck’s system of alliances to prevent or limit war.

Was Bismarck right about WW1?

If we throw in a little help from the US and the British empire he was right about that – twice. You can imagine Abraham Lincoln saying it – but never Bismarck. In any case there is a sense in which the first world war was indeed over by Christmas 1914, only Bismarck’s autocratic heirs couldn’t accept it.

Why read Steinberg’s Bismarck biography?

“Other Bismarck biographies have been written, but what is unique about steinberg’s is his effort to give voice to Bismarck’s contemories – how they percieved and experienced him.”– Christian Century “The book will probably become the standard work in English for some time to come.

How should we remember Bismarck?

When I ask Germans now they sometimes say: “Well, Bismarck is remembered mostly for the social security system he set up,” one designed to neutralise the appeal of socialism, still recognisable and admired today. We can follow that line of argument.

What is the best book on WW1 to start with?

The Longman Companion to the First World War: Europe 1914 – 1918 by Nicolson. Although not enough for a study in itself, this quality book will accompany any discussion of the First World War, whether you want a few extra figures for an essay or a ready-reference for your novel.