1866 Königgrätz—Bismarck Molds Germany.................................

Lecture 30

I

n the mid-19th century, Otto von Bismarck of Prussia sought to unite
under Prussian leadership the dozens of disparate German-speaking
principalities and kingdoms into one Germany, which would then become
the dominant force in European politics. Bismarck believed that his goals
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power would have to be accomplished through military force. Although in
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key moment early in the process catapulted both Bismarck and Prussia into
prominence: the Battle of Königgrätz, fought against Austria in 1866. Today,
this battle is viewed as a crushing Prussian victory and the foundation block
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The Opponents
x Over the course of 30 years,
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and then as chancellor of
Germany, Otto von Bismarck
skillfully pursued the goals
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Prussian ascendancy. Although
a brilliant politician, he
needed a soldier to carry out
his aggressive policies, and in
Helmuth von Moltke, he found
a partner as skilled at warfare
as he was at politics.

x Moltke was an organizational

genius and a brilliant military

theorist who oversaw the

development of the Prussian

army into the most formidable

Some have argued that World

Wars I and II were consequences

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Germany; thus, in achieving his

dreams, Bismarck may have

created a nightmare for others.

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