A biography of Bismarck which describes the political, intellectual and institutional milieu which determined his political aims and strategy.

Introduction: the Bismarck problem -- Book one. The years of preparation, 1815-1858 -- The stream of time -- The internal functions of power -- The external functions of power -- The strategy of Realpolitik -- Book two. The years of decision, 1858-1863 -- The utility of German nationalism -- Petersburg and Paris -- Germany at the crossroads -- Thrust, parry, riposte -- A period of dictatorship -- The liberals and the masses -- Book three. The years of triumph, 1864-1867 -- The conquest of Schleswig-Holstein -- The magnetism of power -- The conquest of northern Germany -- The conquest of Prussia -- The German balance of power -- Book four. The years of fulfillment, 1867-1871 -- Bridges over the Main -- Failure of the National Movement -- Diplomatic prelude -- Origins of the War of 1870 -- A national war -- Winning in the south.