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AP Success - AP European History: Bismark on German Unification

This excerpt is from Otto Von Bismarck's "Blood and Iron Speech" delivered in 1862. Bismarck was a prominent Prussian statesman who served as the first chancellor of Germany. This speech marked a turning point in Bismarck's political career and is seen as a precursor to the unification of Germany under his leadership.

Source 1

Germany is not looking to Prussia’s liberalism, but to its power; Bavaria, Württemberg, Baden may indulge liberalism, and for that reason no one will assign them Prussia’s role; Prussia has to coalesce and concentrate its power for the opportune moment, which has already been missed several times; Prussia’s borders according to the Vienna Treaties [of 1814-15] are not favorable for a healthy, vital state; it is not by speeches and majority resolutions that the great questions of the time are decided – that was the big mistake of 1848 and 1849 – but by iron and blood.

Otto Von Bismarck, "Blood and Iron Speech," 1862

Question 1

Short answer

Describe one perspective about the role of Prussia in Germany's future expressed in the excerpt.

Question 2

Short answer

Describe a broader context in which the speech was given.

Question 3

Short answer

Explain one way the outcome of the Franco-Prussian war reflected ideas expressed in the speech.

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