Question

Read the excerpt from a speech given by Otto von Bismarck in 1862.

Germany is not looking to Prussia’s liberalism, but to its power. . . . [I]t is not by speeches and majority resolutions that the great questions of the time are decided—that was the big mistake of 1848 and 1849—but by iron and blood.

–Otto von Bismarck, Blood and Iron, 1862

What does this excerpt reinforce about Bismarck’s political views?

Bismarck believed in using force.
Bismarck believed in democracy.
Bismarck believed in reasoned debate.
Bismarck was opposed to realpolitik.

Answer 1

Bismarck believed in using force.

Explanation: His phrase “not by speeches and majority resolutions... but by iron and blood” rejects parliamentary debate and liberalism in favor of military power and pragmatic, force-based politics (realpolitik).