How did Bismarck use both international allegiances and warfare to unify Germany under Prussian leadership?

Otto von Bismarck, the Prime Minister of Prussia, used a combination of diplomatic strategies and warfare to unify Germany under Prussian leadership. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how he did it:

1. Danish War (1864): Bismarck first allied with Austria to wage war against Denmark to gain control of the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. This was a strategic move to increase Prussia's influence in northern Germany.

2. Austro-Prussian War (1866): Bismarck then turned against Austria, his former ally, in the Austro-Prussian War. The quick victory of Prussia established its military dominance in central Europe. After the war, Bismarck annexed several of the northern German states. He also established the North German Confederation under Prussian leadership, which excluded Austria.

3. Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871): Bismarck manipulated political tensions to provoke a war with France. The southern German states, fearing French aggression, allied with Prussia. After the Prussian victory, these states agreed to join the North German Confederation.

4. Creation of the German Empire (1871): The victory in the Franco-Prussian War led to the creation of the German Empire in 1871. Bismarck became the first Chancellor of the unified Germany. The King of Prussia, Wilhelm I, was declared the German Emperor.

5. Balance of Power Diplomacy: Internationally, Bismarck maintained a complex system of alliances to prevent any single country from becoming too powerful and threatening Germany. This included the Three Emperors' League with Russia and Austria-Hungary, and later the Triple Alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy.

Through these steps, Bismarck successfully unified Germany under Prussian leadership, establishing it as a major power in Europe.