On this day in 1871, exactly 150 years ago, Otto von Bismarck was appointed as first Chancellor of the newly founded German Empire.

Bismarck played a pivotal role in uniting Germany, according to many historians, by triggering the Franco Prussian War (1870-1871) and forcing the South German states to join his cause. He is also famous for his powerful rule and diplomacy of 'realpolitik' earning him the nickname the 'Iron Chancellor'.

Although Bismarck skillfully maintained a balance of power in Europe during his time in office, one could argue that an increasingly strong Germany forced Europe's powers to seek alliances. These alliances would eventually face each other in World War 1. A war that Bismarck himself predicted on his deathbed: "One day the great European War will come out of some damn foolish thing in the Balkans." 

Originally posted on Instagram on March 21, 2021