Otto von Bismarck
Otto von Bismark (1815-1898) became the leader of Prussia, and later the first chancellor of the German Empire before stepping aside in 1890 for Kiaser Wilhem II.
Known as the Iron Chancellor", Bismark is remembered as unifier for bringing the various germanic states together into a unified Germany, and the namesake of a famous battleship. He was fiercly patriotic and belived in realpolitik.
Bismarck entered Prussian politics in 1847. He first served as ambassador to Russia and France before becoming the chancellor. He defeated Austria in the Austro-Prussian War and annexed or coerced neighboring states into the North German Federation. Following the defeat of the French in the Franco-Prussian War, the German Empire was created and Bismark was made its imperial chancellor and prince in 1871. In 1890 he was forced to step aside for Kiaser Wilhem II to assume his leadership position.
See also
Sources
The New American Desk Encyclopedia, Penguin Group, 1989