Bismarck biography book

Prince Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck, Duke of Lauenburg (1 April1815 – 30 July1898), was a German aristocrat and statesman; he was Minister President of Prussia (1862–1890), and the first Chancellor of Germany (1871–1890).

Bismarck biography book

Nicknamed the Iron Chancellor, he is noted for his laconic remarks.

Quotes

1840s

• I am of opinion that the idea of the Christian State is as old as the ci-devantHoly Roman Empire, as old as all the European States, that it is the soil in which these States have taken root, and that a State, if it would have an assured permanence, if it would only justify its existence, when it is disputed, must stand on a religious foundation.

  ... I believe I am right in calling that State a Christian State which seeks to realise the teaching of Christianity.

  • Speech to the Prussian United Diet (15 June 1847), quoted in W. H. Dawson, Bismarck and State Socialism: An Exposition of the Social and Economic Legislation of Germany since 1870