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Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898) was a prominent figure in German and European history, known for his instrumental role in the unification of Germany. Born into a noble Prussian family, Bismarck pursued a career in politics, eventually rising to become the first Chancellor of the German Empire.

Bismarck's political career was characterized by his pragmatic and Machiavellian approach. He believed in maintaining a balance of power to ensure stability and security. Through a series of strategic maneuvers and diplomatic negotiations, he successfully led Prussia to victory in three significant conflicts: the Danish-Prussian War (1864), the Austro-Prussian War (1866), and the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). These victories ultimately led to the unification of the German states and the establishment of the German Empire in 1871.

As Chancellor, Bismarck implemented a series of political and social reforms that aimed to maintain and consolidate the power of the newly formed German Empire. He introduced policies in favor of social welfare, including the establishment of the world's first modern welfare state. Bismarck also enacted laws to restrict the influence of the Catholic Church and the socialist movement, known as the Kulturkampf.

Despite his accomplishments, Bismarck faced criticism and opposition from various factions within German society. He resigned as Chancellor in 1890 after disagreements with the new emperor, Wilhelm II. Otto von Bismarck left a lasting legacy as a pivotal figure in German unification and as an architect of realpolitik, the political philosophy of practicality and realism.