Otto von Bismarck
Born in Prussia on April 1, 1815, Otto von Bismarck went on to become the first chancellor of Germany and the mastermind behind its unification. Known for his ruthless but brilliant politics, Bismarck was lionized almost instantly upon his death, but his role in European history has undergone critical reassessment since the reunification of Germany 20 years ago. Below, in Bismarck: The Iron Chancellor, Volker Ullrich explores the myths and realities surrounding Bismarck’s legacy.
Many people felt that Bismarck’s death marked the end of an epoch. After 1898, Bismarck monuments sprang …