Although Bismarck was an outstanding diplomat, the phrase "blood and iron" has become a popular description of his foreign policy partly because he did on occasion resort to war to further the unification of Germany and the expansion of its continental power. Therefore he became known as "the iron chancellor."

Iron and Blood Policy

The Iron and Blood Policy was a political strategy implemented by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck of Prussia in the 19th century. It was aimed at modernizing and unifying the German states under Prussian leadership by means of military power and industrialization.

Military Power

Bismarck believed that military power was essential to the unification of Germany. To achieve this, he increased the size of the Prussian army and reorganized it under the leadership of General Moltke. He also established a system of conscription, which required all able-bodied men to serve in the army for a period of time.

Industrialization

Bismarck recognized that industrialization was necessary for economic growth and military power. He encouraged the development of industry and trade through protective tariffs and subsidies. He also invested in transportation infrastructure, such as railroads and canals, to facilitate the movement of goods.

Unification of Germany

The Iron and Blood Policy ultimately led to the unification of Germany in 1871. Bismarck achieved this by defeating Austria in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 and France in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. The new German Empire was proclaimed in the Palace of Versailles, with King Wilhelm I of Prussia as Emperor.

Legacy

The Iron and Blood Policy had a lasting impact on German history. It established Germany as a major European power and paved the way for its rapid industrialization and economic growth. However, it also contributed to the militarization of German society and the rise of Prussian authoritarianism, which would have disastrous consequences in the 20th century.