Researcher(s)
- Dalton Munson, History, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Michael Frassetto, History, University of Delaware
Abstract
The long 19th century after the defeat of Napoleon was the greatest extended period of peace that Europe had ever seen. As global tensions rise again, it is necessary to analyze the strategies implemented to create such a peace, and how large scale war was kept at bay for so long. This paper aims to study two of the most successful foreign ministers of the age – Clemens von Metternich of Austria, and Otto von Bismarck of Prussia. In particular, it studies their procedures, specifically surrounding coalition building and diplomatic isolation. This paper reviews the great successes, and sometimes failures of each figure, revealing some common components of strategy between the two. The triumphs of both were largely predicated on knowing beforehand how the other major powers of Europe would react to their gambits. Metternich used this principle to build coalitions, most effectively with his sixth coalition, whose alliances and strategies were outlined ahead of time before defeating Napoleon. Bismarck used the same strategy to diplomatically isolate his opponents, specifically Austria and France, securing the neutrality of other nations before going to war to unify Germany. Bismarck changed his goal late in his career, working to preserve the European order after German unification, making alliances to protect his new nation. Most important to the success of each figure was their pragmatism. Metternich’s willingness to compromise and work with archrivals guaranteed his ultimate goal – European peace through a balance of power – while Bismarck embodied pragmatism through what became known as realpolitik. Though his actions can be seen as upsetting the balance of power, he managed to unify Germany and stave off a major war for the remainder of his tenure. This paper ultimately argues that the key to successful diplomacy is pragmatism over idealism.