Napoleon III And Otto Von Bismarck

Words: 917
Pages: 4

In 1848, liberal and nationalistic revolts sprung up across all of Europe against the ruling government to create a new social order, but by the end of the year, for the most part, the conservatives squashed the revolutions and maintained governmental authority. Despite their apparent victory, in response to the revolutions of 1848, the new conservative leaders started to adopt a mindset known as Realpolitik, a new toughness of mind with emphasis on being realistic in their handling of power. Its most successful practitioners in the years after 1848 included Napoleon III (1808-1873) of France, Count Camilo de Cavour (1810-1861) of Italy, and Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898) of Germany. Back home, all three of them were persuasive politicians who …show more content…
For three years after his election as president in 1848, he “persevered in winning the support of the French people.” After his coup d’etat of the government and restoration of universal male suffrage, the majority of the public sided with him in his efforts to restore the empire. Later, in the 1860s, in response to growing opposition to his domestic policies, Napoleon III liberalized his regime, legalizing trade unions, altering the political process, and allowing greater freedom to campaign for opposition candidates; ultimately, the liberalization process served to strengthen the government. Bismarck, after the success in the Austro-Prussian War, asked the Prussian Parliament to pass a bill of indemnity, which most of the liberals voted in favor for because “they had been won over by Bismarck’s successful use of military …show more content…
In the war against Austria for the unification of Italy, Cavour and Napoleon III devised a plan to ensure Austria’s isolation. They “deemed it so important that the grounds for war be such as would not alarm the other continental powers.” Recognizing the need for support for Piedmont’s challenge to Austria, Cavour reached an agreement, in principle, with Napoleon III and France. In exchange for Nice, Savoy, and a stake in a kingdom located in central Italy, Napoleon III would “support Piedmont with all his power in a war against Austria.” However, this agreement turned sour when Napoleon III saw Prussia’s mobilization of troops in support of Austria and the effort needed to defeat Austria. In the Danish War, Bismarck persuaded the Austrians to join Prussia in declaring war on Denmark in 1864. Two years later, before the Austro-Prussian War in 1866, Bismarck and Prussia ensured Austria’s isolation by offering agreements ot the other European powers; Bismarck promised territory in the Rhineland to Napoleon III, while Italy would be given Venetia in the event of Austrian defeat. At the same time, they were able to be aware of long-term goals and broad perspectives, while at the same time, concentrating on the exigencies of the