To what extent was Bismarck a Revolutionary Conservative

The first 200 words of this essay...

To what extent was Bismarck a Revolutionary Conservative?

The term 'revolutionary conservative' initially appears contradictory. However, it is possible to be both conservative and to some extent revolutionary at the same time. A revolutionary conservative is defined as someone who not only aims to maintain the status quo, but who also to achieve this goal, is prepared to sacrifice certain aspects of the existing order through reform, so that on the whole, traditional values will survive. Whilst Bismarck was almost certainly a conservative, it is the purpose of this essay to examine whether he was truly revolutionary in his ideas, or whether the reforms he introduced were only in the interests of maintaining his own power and influence in Germany.

The first aspect of Bismarck's policy that may give an indication to the extent of his 'revolutionary conservatism' is the form taken by the German constitution. When the German states unified in 1871, a new instrument of government was formed, and in theory, the new German nation was very democratic, with all men given the vote. However, a closer examination of the German government reveals that all the real power lay in the hands of the Kaiser,