'Bismarck united Germany by blood and iron.' Explain this statement with the steps he took.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Open with the outcome. Bismarck, Prime Minister of Prussia, united 39 scattered German states under Prussia by 1871.
2 · Blood and Iron. He modernised the army, collecting taxes even against Parliament, and earned the name Iron Chancellor.
3 · War with Denmark, 1864. With Austria's help he took Schleswig and Holstein from Denmark.
4 · War with Austria. In 1866 Prussia defeated Austria, shut it out of German affairs and formed the North German Confederation.
5 · Clever diplomacy. He made Italy an ally, kept France out and gained Russia's support with promises and favours, so Prussia fought one enemy at a time.
6 · Franco-Prussian War, 1870 to 1871. France was defeated and gave up Alsace and Lorraine; the southern states joined and William I became Kaiser in 1871.
7 · Close in one line. Through war and diplomacy, Bismarck made Germany the leading power in Europe.
Scoring tip: Give the three wars in order with the enemy named: Denmark, Austria, France. That alone earns half the marks.
