Author: Otto Von Bismarck. He was once known for starting multiple wars against neighboring nations, most of the wars he started (against France and Austria) were done so when he was in power in Prussia. He would eventually become Germany’s Chancellor/leader.
Context: Most of his writing was written after Prussia’s war against Austria. Prussia had essentially won the war against Austria. While most of his fellow Prussians were writing about continuing the campaign of the annihilation of Austria, Bismarck’s writing indicated he felt a need to unify both factions.
Language: His writing seems to be clear but at the same time merciful, yet powerful. He stresses the importance of the unification of Germany and how its their destiny to flourish.
Audience: It seems that the audience is other German nations and the anyone willing to listen to his statements. Essentially anyone who feels the need for unity in Germany.
Intent: Within the text, he indicates he writes to simply unify Germany under a Prussian ruler… obviously indicating he wishes to stay in power after the unification of Germany.
Message: The message Otto von Bismarck makes clear is that it is pointless to fight against people who are basically from the same background (Austria) and that the feud between Prussia and Austria will allow nations around Prussia or Austria to strike. He wants there to be peace so they could eventually fight off any nations threatening this ideal unified nation.
… But why?: It is clear he wrote most of this in order to make Prussia/Germany even more powerful and the easiest way would be to make a very sympathetic message about unifying with Austria. It is clear he wants to be part of a bigger and more powerful country and proclaims God will grace him/the country.
Bismarck got a pretty awesome diplomatic achievements. Just like the text said, he prevented the potential hostile tendency of Austria towards Prussia by formed the Prussia and Austria alliance at 1879 and Three Emperors’League at 1881. Those agreements let Prussia able to against western France with all strength without threaten at East and help Prussia took great advantages during Franco-Prussian War. That’s part of representation of Bismarck’s wise and cunny diplomatic policies for Purssia.
I think that your ACLAIM method was very informative. I like how you pointed out that his writing was merciful and purposeful. I found it interesting how they argue against Austria and then about 10 years later Otto Von Bismarck suggests that they should become allies with Austria.Otto Von Bismarck states this when he says ” we ought rather reserve the possibility of becoming friends again with our adversary of the moment”(1866).
Bismarck was a very wise leader because he knew that there would be hostile tensions for many years to come if Prussia decided to annihilate Austria. Even though Prussia was in a perfect position to defeat Austria, he knew it would not be in their best interest to crush them because the country would resent the negative treatment they received. If only there was a leader like Bismarck in place during the years surrounding WWI to help manage the “European chessboard,” perhaps the conflict and later results could have been mitigated substantially.