Blood and iron
Also called: Realpolitik · Topic: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
"Blood and iron" is a phrase from a speech Otto von Bismarck gave in 1862, when he was chief minister of Prussia. He said the great questions of the day would not be decided by speeches and majority votes. Instead they would be decided by "blood and iron", meaning war and weapons. The phrase sums up how Germany was united from above, through the army and the state, not through parliaments.
Example
Bismarck used the Prussian army and bureaucracy to fight three wars in seven years: against Denmark, Austria and France. After the defeat of France, William I was proclaimed German Emperor on 18 January 1871. This took place in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.
Don't confuse with
- Realpolitik: Realpolitik means practical politics based on power and interest rather than ideals. "Blood and iron" is a single phrase from Bismarck. It is one example of that kind of politics.
Related concepts
- Otto von Bismarck
- Franco-Prussian War
- Unification of Germany
- Kulturkampf
- Paris Commune 1871
- Count Cavour
- Napoleon III
- Giuseppe Garibaldi
- Expedition of the Thousand
- Unification of Italy