Step 1: Understand the "Blood and Iron" policy.
The phrase "Blood and Iron" (German: "Blut und Eisen") refers to a political policy that relies on military strength and warfare rather than diplomacy and negotiations to achieve national goals.
Step 2: Identify the historical figure associated with this policy.
Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898), the Minister President of Prussia and later the first Chancellor of Germany, is famously associated with the "Blood and Iron" policy.
He delivered a speech in 1862 to the Prussian Diet (parliament) where he stated, "Not by speeches and majority resolutions are the great questions of the time decided.
.
.
but by iron and blood.
" He used this approach of military force and pragmatic politics (Realpolitik) to achieve the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership through a series of wars (e.
g.
, against Denmark, Austria, and France).
Step 3: Consider other figures.
- (1) Giuseppe Mazzini: An Italian politician, journalist, and activist for the unification of Italy (Risorgimento).
He was an idealist and republican, founding "Young Italy.
"
- (2) Giuseppe Garibaldi: An Italian general, patriot, and republican.
He played a crucial role in the unification of Italy through his military campaigns (e.
g.
, Expedition of the Thousand).
- (3) Napoleon III (Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte): The Emperor of the Second French Empire (1852-1870).
He was defeated in the Franco-Prussian War, which was orchestrated by Bismarck.
Step 4: Confirm the proponent of "Blood and Iron".
Otto von Bismarck is the historical figure primarily associated with the "Policy of Blood and Iron.
"
This matches option (4).