Description

This book delves into one of the most decisive periods in European history: the birth of the German Empire and the extraordinary fate of its architect, Otto von Bismarck.

In the salons of Versailles, in January 1871, shortly after the Prussian victory over France, Bismarck orchestrates the proclamation of the German Empire. This seminal moment, the result of patient diplomacy and unwavering resolve, marks the height of his career and the emergence of a new European power. But behind the victory lies the tension of a fragile power, caught between imperial authority and national ambitions.

This narrative explores the behind-the-scenes of Bismarckian politics: his tactical genius, shifting alliances, and relentless struggles to maintain the balance among the great powers. It also reveals the man behind the myth — his pragmatism, convictions, as well as his doubts and clashes with a young, impatient Emperor Wilhelm II. Their growing disagreements led to the Chancellor’s fall in 1890, marking the end of an era and opening the way to an empire driven by other ambitions.

Between greatness and decline, this book paints a portrait of a statesman who profoundly transformed Europe and whose shadow still looms over modern European history.

An engaging biography at the intersection of power, diplomacy, and national destiny, where the birth of an empire and the fall of its greatest architect play out.