AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.
Otto von Bismarck used the strategy of "Blood and Iron" (Blut und Eisen) to unify Germany. This meant that unification would be achieved not through speeches or majority votes, but through military force and warfare. As Chief Minister of Prussia, Bismarck used the dominant Prussian military power to wage wars — against Austria (1866) and France (1870–71) — and brought the German states together under Prussian leadership. The new German Empire was proclaimed in January 1871 at Versailles, with Kaiser William I as its head.
Source: Chapter 1, Section 4 — Nationalism in Europe
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The textbook describes Bismarck as the key architect of German unification through Prussian military dominance. The phrase "Blood and Iron" is the specific term examiners expect. Support it with the two key wars (Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian) and the 1871 proclamation. Avoid confusing Bismarck's method with Cavour's diplomatic approach (used for Italian unification). The source passages confirm the Prussian state's central role and the 1871 proclamation at Versailles.