Otto von Bismark Memorial, Hamburg Photos

Under the leadership of Otto von Bismark, who was Chancellor of what is now Germany from 1862-90, Germany became a unified and powerful nation instead of a loose confederation of individual states. He was a skilled politician who was willing to wage war to achieve his objectives for Germany. Although mostly ultra-conservative in his views, he instituted some significant social reforms. Bismark is a revered figure in German history, and statues honoring him are found throughout Germany.