Assess Bismarcks Foreign Policies in relation to the concept of Realpolitik
by
ksmuza (student)
Assess Bismarck’s Foreign Policies in relation to the concept of Realpolitik
During the 1800s Bismarck represented the idea of realpolitik, he believed in a political system based on practical principles rather than ideological or moral consideration (2). Through the uses of such notion Bismarck was able triumph in series of wars, unified German state; under one Prussian leader into a strong German Empire and further constructed a balance of power through out Europe maintaining peace from 1871-1914 (2). The success of the concept of realpolitik can be best perceive through the uses of foreign policies used, during the wars of that era such as Danish war, Austro- Prussian war and the Franco-Prussian war. Due to the believe in a system that considered practical principle rather moral or ideological principles gave the Prussian leader the advantage of being victorious. Prior to victory it has also helped them established much finer strategies and foreign policies for maintaining a balance of power in Europe.
The accomplishment of Bismarck’s foreign policies in relation to the concept of realpolitik can be seen from the outbreak of the Danish war. As the involvement of Austria and other small German states in Danish war were very much evident, Bismarck’s nationalist sentiment couldn’t let Austria nor other German state to play the leadership role and since the uses military intervention is not an option due to the violation of the Treaties of 1850s which, could further lead France and Russian Involvement (2). Prussia and Austria had gone to war with Denmark as an ally under the German confederation through Bismarck’s influences, gaining the Dutch provinces such Holstein and Schleswig respectively as the result of Danish War in 1864 (3).
