Otto von Bismarck was the Prussian statesman who single-handedly engineered the unification of Germany.

He was a conservative aristocrat (a 'Junker') who was initially opposed to liberalism and nationalism.

His primary goal was to strengthen the power of the Prussian monarchy and state.

He pursued a policy of 'Realpolitik,' which prioritized power and national interest over ideology.

Bismarck skillfully used diplomacy to isolate Prussia's enemies before each war, ensuring they would fight alone.

He provoked a war with Austria in 1866 and used the swift Prussian victory to expel Austria from German affairs, creating the North German Confederation.

He then provoked a war with France in 1870, using the 'Ems Dispatch' to inflame nationalist sentiment in both countries.

The Franco-Prussian War rallied the independent southern German states to the Prussian side, completing the unification.

Bismarck became the first Chancellor of the new German Empire.

His career is a masterclass in the use of diplomacy, military power, and political maneuvering to achieve state objectives.