The “Iron Chancellor” as Perceived by Russian Scholars: The Image of Bismarck in the Works of Russian Historians of the Late 19th–Early 20th Centuries

Abstract

This article looks at how Russian historians of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries saw Otto von Bismarck. It draws on the works of scholars such as Dzhivelegov, Kareev, Pertsev, Trachevsky, Tarle, Tatishchev and Vinogradov, as well as on memoirs and lectures of the period. The discussion begins with their portraits of his character, in which strength of will, diplomatic skill and a readiness to use any means appear side by side. It then turns to his domestic policy, including the struggle with the Catholic Church, the response to the socialists and the introduction of social legislation. The largest part of the article follows his dealings with Russia, from his years as envoy in St Petersburg and Russian neutrality during the wars of unification to the war scare of 1875, the Congress of Berlin, the secret agreement with Russia and the Bulgarian crisis. Colonial policy is also covered briefly. The historians disagreed about his motives and about how far his friendship with Russia was sincere, yet they agreed that he was one of the most important figures of his age. The article shows that the "Iron Chancellor" held a lasting place in Russian historical thought.