Early Life
Otto Eduard Leopold, later known as Otto von Bismarck, was born on April 1st, 1815, to parents Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand von Bismarck and Wilhelmine Luise Mencken, a wealthy Junker estate owner and daughter of Berlin politician, respectively. Otto grew up with proper education in properly educated home. He put forth the persona of a typical Prussian Junker (a young Prussian Nobleman), something that was evident in particular by his wearing of military clothing. Due to his high profile education form a young age, he was a specialist in conversation, and spoke five languages fluently.
At the age of 17, Otto began studying law at the University of Gottingen, but only a year later enrolled in the University of Berlin. In 1838, when stationed for the army reserves in Greifswald, he began attending the University of Greifswald, studying agriculture among other things related. Otto was a charming young man, and so wanted to become a diplomat. He had been studying law for some time, and soon became a lawyer. He later resigned, as his career was in danger due to his pursuit of two English girls, without authorization. He was also in and out of army service, at one point earning officer status in the Landwehr, but soon had to return to Schonhausen for his mother's death. At around age 30, Otto became a Pietist Lutheran under the influence of close friend Maria von Thadden. After Maria's death, he married her cousin Johanna von Puttkamer on July 28th 1847.
At the age of 17, Otto began studying law at the University of Gottingen, but only a year later enrolled in the University of Berlin. In 1838, when stationed for the army reserves in Greifswald, he began attending the University of Greifswald, studying agriculture among other things related. Otto was a charming young man, and so wanted to become a diplomat. He had been studying law for some time, and soon became a lawyer. He later resigned, as his career was in danger due to his pursuit of two English girls, without authorization. He was also in and out of army service, at one point earning officer status in the Landwehr, but soon had to return to Schonhausen for his mother's death. At around age 30, Otto became a Pietist Lutheran under the influence of close friend Maria von Thadden. After Maria's death, he married her cousin Johanna von Puttkamer on July 28th 1847.
Political Beginnings
In 1847, Bismarck was chosen to be a representative to the new Prussian legislature. He obtained a reputation for his heavily reactionary political rhetoric, and he believed very much in the monarchy. He thought that the monarch had a divine right to rule.
In 1849, whilst he represented Prussia, he was opposed to the unification of Germany, as he believed it would lose Prussia its independence or further humiliation. The unification was not brought about because of opposition from two vital German states, Prussia and Austria, so the idea was abandoned.
Over the course of his career as a representative and ambassador for Prussia, Bismarck became less reactionary, and more pragmatic. As his political views changed, so did his motives. He soon realized that it was in the best interest of Prussia to become less independent and unite will other German states. The idea of a unified Germany seemed more realistic to him.
Bismarck also worked to keep strong relationships with other nations, specifically Napoleon III's France and Russia.
In 1849, whilst he represented Prussia, he was opposed to the unification of Germany, as he believed it would lose Prussia its independence or further humiliation. The unification was not brought about because of opposition from two vital German states, Prussia and Austria, so the idea was abandoned.
Over the course of his career as a representative and ambassador for Prussia, Bismarck became less reactionary, and more pragmatic. As his political views changed, so did his motives. He soon realized that it was in the best interest of Prussia to become less independent and unite will other German states. The idea of a unified Germany seemed more realistic to him.
Bismarck also worked to keep strong relationships with other nations, specifically Napoleon III's France and Russia.