Discuss the unification of germany, 1862-1871, what were the basic principles governing Bismarck's policies?

Bismarck was
perhaps the most capable politician of his day, although he was prone to make enemies because of
intemperate speeches. His shrewdness in achieving his purposes could not be underestimated. His
principle in uniting Germany was to do so under the leadership of Prussia and to exclude the
other large German speaking state, Austria. Bismarck's policies were known as
realpolitik, or practical politics. To Bismarck the end justified the
means. If changing tactics would move him closer to his purpose, he did so without second
thought. He also was not concerned about opinions of others. In a famous speech before the
German Reichstag, he said: