OPPORTUNIST: BISMARCK

BISMARK: OPPORTUNIST:

Although Bismarck himself and other early historians claim that it was Bismarck's plan all along to unify Germany, there is strong evidence to suggest that he simply took opportunities when they presented themselves:

1. Russian neutrality:

• Bismarck didn't know that the Poles in Russia would revolt so he took this opportunity to meet with the Tsar
• he upset the Tsar when he denied the meeting rather than his supposed 'desired' intent but he was lucky that Russia were still upset with Austria following the Crimean War 1854-6
• it was impossible to predict Russia would decide to stay neutral

2. Manipulation of war:

• Bismarck wasn't to know that Austria would aid Prussia during the War with Denmark in 1864
• he also couldn't predict the death of the King of Denmark and leaving no heir
• …