Question

What was blood and iron policy of ottovon Bismarck

Answer 1

Otto von Bismarck, Chancellor of Prussia, provoked three wars (the Second Schleswig, Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian) in six years to unify Germany under the King of Prussia. Each time, he manipulated events so that others actually started military action before he did, allowing Prussia to play the victim. But because his machinations sparked the wars, Prussia entered each one better prepared than their adversaries, resulting in quick and easy victories for the Prussians. This approach was termed “Blood and Iron” based on a speech by Bismarck in 1862, as his policies were gaining momentum.

To give Bismarck credit, after 1870 he shifted policy and no longer pursued his political goals via military methods. To some extent, he didn’t need to. His main objectives had all been achieved, and the Prussian military’s reputation had risen so high from its quick victories in all three wars that no one was willing to challenge it.

Hope it helps..

Answer 2

Bismarck's policy of 'Blood and Iron' meant that the unification of Germany was to be effected through the use of force i.e war. In fact, German unification was the result of three wars produced by diplomacy of Bismarck.