I'd like to start a series of threads, to be created on a whenever-the-fuck-I-want basis, about various historical events and figures. History is my academic and personal passion, and I would like to express that here. I understand that in all likelihood no-one here will care or possibly even read these threads, but I am apathetic towards such indifference.

To kick off these threads, I would like to cover one of my favorite historical figures, and potentially my favorite European statesman in history; the mighty Iron Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck. The man who forged the German Empire through the expert usage of extraordinary cunning, and incredible foresight.

Bismarck is truly one of the most cunning statesmen in history. His realpolitik is brilliant in it's ruthless pragmatism. Indeed, I would say I love Bismarck because he's so damn dastardly. The man was an unparalleled manipulator; he carefully manipulates events and circumstances in order to orchestrate three wars: the Danish Prussian war (1864), the Seven Weeks' War (1866), and finally, the Franco-Prussian War of 1871, which ended with the German Empire, a united Germany, being declared within the Palace of Versailles itself. A final declaration of German supremacy over French idiocy.

How did Bismarck start that final conflict? The magnificent bastard edited a telegram (documenting a discussion between the King of Prussia and the French ambassador), in order to make it look as though each of the parties in the conversation had insulted one another, with anger in the national scale occurring on both sides. The French, in their arrogance, declared war, and in response Prussia, the rest of the German states rallying behind them, mobilized it's army. The French force was crushed by the superior Prussian army.

I'm not going to go too in depth; I have other things to do, and late 19th century politics can be a rather complicated subject. Thus, I will leave you with a link to a helpful resource, and Bismarck's most famous quote.

Here is list of all episodes of BBC radio's stellar radio series, Germany: Memories of a Nation. In regards to Bismarck, I would recommend Bismarck The Blacksmith, but all episodes are wonderful. In particular, Luther and a Language for All Germans is a wonderful, informative, and short listen.

And finally, here's the final segment of Bismarck's famous speech:

"The position of Prussia in Germany will not be determined by its liberalism but by its power ... Prussia must concentrate its strength and hold it for the favorable moment, which has already come and gone several times. Since the treaties of Vienna, our frontiers have been ill-designed for a healthy body politic. Not through speeches and majority decisions will the great questions of the day be decided - that was the great mistake of 1848 and 1849 - but by iron and blood (Eisen und Blut)."

I thought you said this was going to be a history thread, not gobbling up wienerschnitzel.

I thought you said this was going to be a history thread, not gobbling up wienerschnitzel.

As an extremely devout Lutheran, Bismarck would never consent to having his wiener gobbled by another man.

>.>

<.<



Hail HYDRA

GTFO Nazi.

Only monarchists allowed.

Quote from: ❤ SecondClass on February 07, 2016, 11:36:24 PM

Why do we laud people for trickery and cunning instead of patience and compassion?

Because in the case of Bismarck, such trickery and cunning is fucking awesome .

And I thought you were of the opinion that women were superior because they were essentially more vindictive and cruel?

I guess more of a general gripe than this thread specifically

And nah, I don't recall ever saying that.

Robespierre was better IMO

Fuckin' French little shit. Große Bismarck ist besser.