To others, he was arrogant, headstrong, and even violent and cruel. Yet he possessed a clear mind and unwavering will, realizing his dreams through superhuman calmness and perseverance. He was a true "Iron and Blood" hero.
In modern German history, the mere mention of Otto von Bismarck (hereafter Bismarck) evokes a vivid image: a towering, arrogant, obstinate, domineering, haughty, coarse, and even violent and cruel figure. Like Peter the Great and Napoleon, Bismarck was a legendary figure widely celebrated during his lifetime. Using "iron and blood" tactics, he accomplished the unification of Germany, thrusting the nation onto the world stage as a great power.
Challenging Austrian Authority with a Cigar
At the age of 35, Bismarck became a representative in the Prussian Diet, marking a turning point in his political career. On May 11, 1851, the 36-year-old Bismarck entered the Frankfurt Federal Diet as a new delegate. At the time, Austria held the strongest influence among the German states, while Prussia, which Bismarck represented, was relatively weaker. In the Diet, Bismarck was deeply dissatisfied with Austria's dismissive attitude and sought an opportunity to challenge the Austrians.
There was an unwritten rule in the Diet: only the Austrian president had the right to smoke. Bismarck found this practice intolerable. During one meeting, when the president pulled out a cigar, Bismarck immediately took out his own cigarette, borrowed a light from the president, and began smoking boldly, thus asserting Prussia's equal standing with Austria. This act astonished both the president and the delegates from other states.
Bismarck dreamed of defeating Austria and unifying Germany. Yet astonishingly, this warlike figure repeatedly advocated peace in parliamentary debates. This was not his true intention. He declared, "Politicians who insist on launching war without a clear understanding of its consequences should go die themselves! After the war, do you have the courage to bear the farmers' agony as their fields turn to ashes? Do you have the courage to endure the sorrow of physical disability and family separation?" In parliament, he defended Austrian actions—contrary to his usual stance—confusing many. However, upon becoming Chancellor, he immediately told the German public, "For a diplomat, the greatest danger is harboring illusions," and promptly sought ways to declare war on Austria. The French diplomat Gramont, who observed Bismarck closely, profoundly revealed his changeable and flexible nature: "His eyes never show a smile; when he speaks, it seems he always clenches his teeth. His words and actions display a deliberate nonchalance toward secrets, as if he refuses to interfere with the natural course of events. Yet, one feels he is always ready for battle."
Walking Home After an Assassination Attempt
In September 1862, Bismarck reached the most crucial turning point in his life: King William I of Prussia appointed him Chancellor of Prussia and Minister of Foreign Affairs. From this point on, he could fully demonstrate his talents in the great cause of German unification, becoming a "Chancellor of timeless fame."
During the process of unifying Germany, Bismarck maneuvered skillfully, employing every possible means. On April 8, 1866, he formed an alliance with Italy, preparing at any moment to wage war against Austria. Yet, many criticized Bismarck, warning that if his policy of force failed, he would become a criminal in history. At a royal council meeting, Bismarck declared resolutely: "I know I am widely cursed. As the saying goes, fate is fickle. I stake my head on this; even if I must go to the guillotine, I will see it through. Prussia and Germany cannot remain as they are; both must take this path (of force)—there is no alternative!"
Public anti-war sentiment finally reached its peak. On May 7, while walking home, Bismarck suddenly heard two or three gunshots behind him. He whirled around and saw a young man shooting at him! Bismarck lunged forward, grabbing the youth's right wrist with one hand and his throat with the other. The assassin used his left hand to grab the pistol and fired two more shots at Bismarck. One bullet struck Bismarck's coat; another hit his ribs. At that moment, a passerby and two soldiers rushed over, apprehending the assassin and saving Bismarck.
Though his ribs ached, Bismarck insisted on walking back to his residence. His wife, Johanna, was dining with guests. Bismarck did not disturb them. Instead, he went to his study, wrote a brief report to William I, then entered the dining room, kissed his wife's forehead, and said casually, as if telling a story: "My dear, don't be afraid. Someone shot at me, but thank God, I'm unharmed!" It was with this calmness and perseverance that Bismarck advanced to the final step of unifying Germany.