Why Did Relations Between Prussian Liberals and Bismarck Improve Between 1864 and 1871?

The relationship between Prussian liberals and Bismarck improved significantly between 1864 and 1871, despite their fundamentally different approaches to unification. This period witnessed a series of Prussian victories orchestrated by Bismarck, each contributing to the advancement of German unification, a key aspiration of the liberals. This essay will argue that the primary factor behind the improved relationship was Bismarck’s success in achieving unification, albeit through "iron and blood," which pragmatically overshadowed the liberals' disapproval of his methods. This essay will explore the Prussian victories, the economic advantages secured by Bismarck, and the formation of the North German Confederation and its implications for the liberal movement.

Bismarck's strategic prowess was undeniably a key factor in fostering rapprochement with the liberals. The victories in the Second Schleswig War (1864) and the Austro-Prussian War (1866), culminating in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71), demonstrated Bismarck's ability to deliver on the nationalistic aspirations that resonated with the liberals. The swift victory over Austria in 1866, in particular, was a turning point.

Prussia's territorial gains, including Holstein, Hesse-Cassel, Hanover, Nassau, and Frankfurt, solidified Bismarck's image as a pragmatist who could deliver tangible results. The subsequent formation of the North German Confederation, uniting all German states north of the Main under Prussian leadership, appeared to signify that Bismarck, despite his methods, was closer to achieving unification than the liberals had ever been. This sentiment was further reinforced by the overwhelming support for the Indemnity Bill. Despite its implicit approval of Bismarck's past unconstitutional actions, the bill passed with only seven dissenting votes, highlighting the liberals' growing acceptance of Bismarck's Realpolitik approach.

Beyond military successes, Bismarck skillfully leveraged economic policies to appease the liberals. The renewal of the Zollverein in 1865, a crucial economic union that excluded Austria, served Prussian interests and found favor with the liberals. By strengthening the German economy and establishing Prussia as its driving force, Bismarck indirectly addressed some of the liberals' economic concerns. This pragmatic approach, focused on tangible benefits, further bridged the gap between Bismarck's methods and the liberals' desired outcomes.

The culmination of these factors – military triumphs, territorial expansion, and economic progress – culminated in the unification of Germany under Bismarck’s leadership in 1871. This realization of a long-held liberal aspiration, achieved through Bismarck’s calculated maneuvers, fostered a sense of pragmatism within the liberal movement. The formation of the National Liberal Party, dedicated to supporting Bismarck's nationalist policies, exemplifies this shift. The liberals, witnessing the fruition of their aspirations through Bismarck’s leadership, were more inclined to accept his methods, despite their reservations.

In conclusion, the improvement in relations between Prussian liberals and Bismarck between 1864 and 1871 was primarily a result of Bismarck's success in achieving unification. Prussian military victories, coupled with Bismarck's shrewd economic policies, especially the renewed Zollverein, appealed to the pragmatic instincts of many liberals. While they might not have condoned his methods, the end goal of a unified Germany, effectively realized by Bismarck, overshadowed their reservations. Bismarck's calculated exploitation of liberal desires for a unified Germany, cleverly combined with tangible results, ultimately led to the improvement of their relations, despite their fundamentally different ideologies. (Williamson, D. Bismarck and Germany: 1862-1890)