To what extent was the contribution of Bismarck to German unification the most important factor?

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To what extent was the contribution of Bismarck to German unification the most important factor?

Bismarck contributed to the German cause; he encouraged and followed through the making of German unification. However, although he was the most important factor he was not the only factor. There were political movements, economic progress sand changes in the monarchy that also contributed towards German unification.

The king was about to abdicate: “I have there for resolved to lay down my crown,” the king however did not follow this through. If he did it would have been a complete victory for the liberals. Instead of giving up, he appointed a new chancellor to change things; the chancellor was Otto Von Bismarck.

Bismarck was the kings last hope of success. He saved the king from a parliamentary crisis, the king was eternally grateful, from then on took Bismarck’s advice, and fully trusted him to run his country

In every situation that arose Bismarck assessed it and exploited it to his own means-his aim was to unite Germany as a successful and powerful nation. One example of this was with the Danes. When the London protocol was broken by the Danes and the duke of Augustenburg. He did not care for the duke but saw an opportunity to expand Prussia. In 1863, Prussia and Austria signed a military alliance; they then sent an ultimatum to the Danes threatening invasion if the Danes did not withdraw the proposed annexation. The Danes gave up and signed the treaty of Vienna, which meant the Danes had no claim to the duchies. Bismarck stated: “I hitched the duke as an ox to plough to get it moving, once it was moving I unhitched the ox” In 1865 it was agreed that Prussia should rule Schleswig and Austria was to rule Holstein. Austria was foolish to do so; the only way into Holstein lay through Prussia. Prussia controlled the military roads through Holstein to Schleswig.

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In this war Bismarck had gained his reputation, also power. In every situation he twisted the results to suit Prussia. Already he sees the duchies as a way to rid Prussia of Austria- to become closer to being independent. Even when control was decided for the duchies he has out smarted the Austrians and gained control of both duchies even though he officially he only controls Schleswig.

Once the crisis of the duchies passed Bismarck quickly set his sites on Austria. He had to make sure no other great power would intervene in the war, France and Prussia ...

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