“the unification of Germany was inevitable regardless of Bismarck’s role.”

Bismarck played an important role in the unification of Germany. From Source 11 on page 17, Taylor points out that Bismarck wanted everything to happen one way and ended up another. Regardless, he unified Prussia under a German flag. It was not entirely Bismarck’s decision, there were other surrounding factors that contributed to Prussia’s unification.

Bismarck’s aim was to unite the 39 German states under Prussian rule, and in this aspect he succeeded. Bismarck only chose options based on circumstance, he did not follow a code, but took control of clever diplomacy and skilful manipulation to make others join Prussia. There were also other factors which contributed to the unification such as nationalism and Napoleon III invasion. The German states were aware of their military weakness and nationalism brought them all together to push him back. This brought the states together before Bismarck became involved with politics.

In conclusion, Bismarck’s role was far greater in unifying Prussia than surrounding factors. I say this because his trickery in diplomacy and manipulation brought bigger states together rather than all the German’s pushing back Napoleon. The material was there and Bismarck sewed it all together.