Otto Fürst von Bismarck Autograph

Profession:
(1815-1898) a conservative German statesman who dominated European affairs from the 1860s to his dismissal in 1890

Year of Birth: 1815

Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck was born on April 1, 1815, in Schönhausen, Prussia. He came from a noble family, with a long history of serving the Prussian state. Bismarck studied law and agriculture at the University of Göttingen before entering the Prussian civil service.

In 1847, Bismarck was elected to the Prussian Landtag, where he quickly made a name for himself as a conservative and a strong advocate of Prussian unity. He was known for his sharp wit and his willingness to challenge the established order.

In 1862, Bismarck was appointed Minister-President of Prussia by King Wilhelm I. He quickly set about unifying the German states under Prussian leadership, using a combination of diplomacy and military force to achieve his goals.

During his tenure as Chancellor of the German Empire, Bismarck implemented a series of reforms that helped to modernize the country and improve its economy. He also pursued a policy of maintaining a balance of power in Europe, which helped to prevent major conflicts for several decades.

Bismarck's skill as a statesman and diplomat made him a highly respected figure on the international stage. He was responsible for creating the modern state of Germany and played a key role in shaping its early history.

After his dismissal by Emperor Wilhelm II in 1890, Bismarck retired to his estate in Friedrichsruh, where he lived out the rest of his days. He died on July 30, 1898, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and vision that continues to inspire generations of Germans to this day.