"Germany is not looking to Prussia’s liberalism, but to its power; Bavaria, Württemberg, Baden may indulge in liberalism, and for that reason no one will assign them Prussia’s role. Prussia must coalesce and concentrate its power for the opportune moment, which has already been missed several times... The great questions of the day will not be decided by speeches and majority decisions—that was the great mistake of 1848 and 1849—but by iron and blood."
—Otto von Bismarck, speech to the Prussian Landtag, 1862
Which of the following best explains how Bismarck's political strategy as described in the passage reflects a shift in the nature of nineteenth-century European nationalism?
- AIt aimed to establish a decentralized republic modeled directly on the anti-colonial political ideals of the American Revolution.
- BIt justified territorial expansion through scientific theories of racial hierarchy and Social Darwinism.
- It prioritized military strength and state authority over democratic consensus and liberal reform.Answer
- DIt focused on establishing informal economic spheres of influence rather than direct political annexation and state centralization.
Answer
Bismarck's political strategy reflected a shift in European nationalism by prioritizing military power and authoritarian state action over the liberal and democratic methods of the 1848 revolutions.
The correct answer is correct because Bismarck's speech demonstrates the transition of German nationalism from the liberal, popular movement of 1848—which sought constitutional rights and democratic unification—to a conservative, top-down process led by the Prussian monarchy. This new approach, known as Realpolitik, relied on military power, industrial strength, and war to achieve unification under Prussian leadership, rejecting democratic parliamentarianism.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Transition of German nationalism from a liberal popular movement to a conservative, state-sponsored unification (Realpolitik).