Bismarck's Ideas example essay topic

Bismarck used the media to his advantage. He used it only when it suited him, and never realized that the implications he were presenting were wrong. When world depression in 1875 hit, and assassination attempts were made on the Kaiser, Bismarck engineered an outpouring loyalty from the nation to the Kaiser ~ anyone who opposed him or the Kaiser was characterized as a traitor, and disloyal. In 1878, an election proved Bismarck's ideologies to be used truly to his advantage.

Because emotions ran high during the assassination attempts, Bismarck was able to put together a coalition of conservative deputies that gave him a large majority and put the Reichstag in his 'ultimate plan'; . Because of his control on the media, and the way he took advantage of his situations, he was able to put off his masterful plans in the government, without being caught. He was walking a very thin line, and it is this trait that led him to his downfall. Many times, Bismarck used foreign policy to insure German security. It is especially clear, when we read that history on the three emperors and the dual alliance. Because Germany was in the center of Europe, it had powerful neighbors along its borders.

Germany did not want to fight against Russia and France at the same time, and fights two battlefronts could lead to the destruction of Germany. France alone had no immediate threat, but if, by chance, it formed an alliance, Germany would be in grave danger. To prevent this, Bismarck sought out two other countries ~ Germany, Russia and Austria-Hungary, to make the three emperor's league. As well, the dual alliance made in 1879 proved to be another point where Bismarck used foreign policy to his benefit.

To start his defense strategy, Germany called upon Austria-Hungary to come to each other's defense in case of war and attack from another power. As a result of this strategy, it led to the renewal of the three emperors league in 1881. Again, Bismarck continued in his treaties, and signed in 1887 the Reinsurance treaty. This treaty involved Russia. Although these alliances may seem deceitful, it protected Germany and made Europe peaceful, which was Bismarck's goal from the start. Bismarck clearly used state socialism in the building of the German nation.

He recognized the needs of the working classes, and brought forward a series of welfare concepts initiated at the support of the workers away from unions. The concept of state socialism was brought into play in 1881. Bismarck's objective was to give benefits to those that had fallen on hard times. This was a giant step for Germany, and it also contained a national health insurance idea, also made in 1881. Therefore, in 1884, these ideas were followed by a national on-the-job-accident insurance, and the idea of pensions. Even though Bismarck's ideas on this issue were very extreme for that age, he still managed to maintain political support for a time.

This did not last however, because of his anti-socialism attitude. The legislations made regarding his state socialism, needed to be renewed every three to four years, and attempts to renew the ideas in 1890, is what led Bismarck to his downfall..