Originally posted by Reid:
Bismarck, being the man most responsible for unifying Germany, obviously upheld the tradition of Prussian militarism. The Prussian education system (in its iconic form a result of Napoleon smashing the Prussians) led to scientific advancement. And for a variety of economic reasons, Germany also became an industrial powerhouse.
Bismarck, being the man most responsible for unifying Germany, obviously upheld the tradition of Prussian militarism. The Prussian education system (in its iconic form a result of Napoleon smashing the Prussians) led to scientific advancement. And for a variety of economic reasons, Germany also became an industrial powerhouse.
He did to an extent, but he was a whole lot more restrained about it than people give him credit for. He was probably the most capable politician of his era, and while he was willing to fight when necessary to achieve his goals, he also understood that war had dangerous long term consequences. He was careful to avoid pressing his victories so far that they would cause long term resentment. Instead he tended to try to end wars early and graciously to prevent long term resentment toward Germany. Most of what he did was to keep Germany from ever having to fight a war on two fronts, because he was pretty sure they wouldn't be able to win it. Unfortunately, most of the rest of Germany didn't seem to grasp these concepts, and they lost two consecutive world wars.