Otto von Bismarck.

Name: Gedanken Und Erinnerungen
Author: Otto von Bismarck

Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck

Born 1 Apr 1815 Schönhausen, Germany

Died 30 Jul 1898 Friedrichsruh, Germany

Citizenship Germany

7 min read

Reading time

1,357

Words

Mar 13, 2026

Published

Books

Awards

TL;DR

Otto von Bismarck served as Chancellor of Germany from 1862 to 1890, earning the nickname The Iron Chancellor. He also wrote and appeared in films such as Die Entlassung 1942, Film socialisme 2010, and Royal Cousins at War 2014. Born in 1815 in Schönhausen, Prussia, he died in 1898 in Friedrichsruh, Germany.

Identity & family.

KIN · 8

Names, aliases, and relatives of Otto von Bismarck — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck

Nicknames The Iron Chancellor

Aliases O.Bismarck

Parents: Wilhelmine Luise Mencken Ferdinand von Bismarck
Spouses: Johanna von Puttkamer
Children: Marie von Bismarck Wilhelm von Bismarck Herbert von Bismarck
Siblings: Malwine von Bismarck Bernhard von Bismarck

At a glance.

STATS

Otto von Bismarck by the numbers — life, work, and family.

83 Years lived

6 Books

19 Awards

1 Marriage

3 Children

Who was Otto von Bismarck?

BIOGRAPHY

Otto von Bismarck — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

On 1 April 1815, a son was born at the Schönhausen manor in the Province of Saxony, Prussia. Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck was the child of Ferdinand von Bismarck, a Junker landowner, and Wilhelmine Luise Mencken, from a well-educated family. He attended several schools, including the Plamannsche Erziehungsanstalt and the University of Göttingen, where he studied law and agriculture.

Career

Bismarck served as Chancellor of Germany from 1862 to 1890, a period during which he held immense power in Europe. He also wrote and was portrayed in films including Die Entlassung 1942, Film socialisme 2010, and Royal Cousins at War 2014. His authoritative leadership earned him the nickname The Iron Chancellor.

Personal life

Bismarck married Johanna von Puttkamer on July 28, 1847, and they remained married until her death on November 27, 1894. The couple had three children: Marie, Herbert, and Wilhelm. His great-great-grandson, Carl-Eduard von Bismarck, later married actress Laura Harring. Bismarck died on 30 July 1898 in Friedrichsruh, Aumühle, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

Legacy

Bismarck received many awards, including the Order of the Black Eagle and the Pour le Mérite. He was made an honorary citizen of Bonn, Coburg, and Munich in 1895. His descendants include Carl-Eduard von Bismarck. His nickname, The Iron Chancellor endures, reflecting his dominance of German politics from 1862 to 1890.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 19

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Otto von Bismarck — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Lifesaving Medal
Order of the Crown
Order of the Black Eagle
Supreme Order of Christ
Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts order
Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece
Order of St. Andrew
Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky
Order of Ludwig I
Royal Order of the Seraphim
Order of the Most Holy Annunciation
honorary citizen of Bonn
Order of Wilhelm I
Grand Cross of the Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa
Order of Saint Stanislaus, 1st class
honorary doctor of the University of Giessen
Knight Grand Cross in the Order of the Netherlands Lion
honorary citizen of Coburg
honorary citizenship

Bibliography.

BOOKS · 6

Otto von Bismarck's bibliography — every authored, edited, and co-written book, ranked by edition count.

Amazon

Gedanken Und Erinnerungen

by Otto von Bismarck
Amazon

Werke in Auswahl

by Otto von Bismarck
Amazon

The Kaiser Vs. Bismarck

by Otto von Bismarck
Amazon

Bismarck

by Otto von Bismarck
Amazon

Bismarck: the Man and the Statesman

by Otto von Bismarck
Amazon

Bismarck, the Man and the Statesman V1

by Otto von Bismarck

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 3

A wall of memorable lines from Otto von Bismarck — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

Not Through Speeches and Majority Decisions Are the Great Questions of the Day Decided but by Iron and Blood.
Laws Are Like Sausages. It’s Better Not to See Them Being Made.
Political Genius Consists of Hearing the Distant Hoofbeat of the Horses of History and Then Leaping to Catch the Passing Horseman by the Coattails.

Did you know?

FACTS · 8

Little-known facts about Otto von Bismarck — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Served as Chancellor of Germany from 1862 to 1890.
His children included Countess Marie von Bismarck-Schönhausen born 1847, Herbert Prince von Bismarck born 1849, and Count Wilhelm von Bismarck-Schönhausen born 1852.
He held the titles Count von Bismarck-Schönhausen 1865, Prince von Bismarck 1871, and Duke von Lauenburg ad personam 1890.
His great-great-grandson, Count Carl-Eduard von Bismarck-Schönhausen, was married to actress Laura Harring.
He is the great-great-grandfather of Gottfried von Bismarck and Carl Eduard von Bismarck.
He is the great-grandfather of Gunilla Gräfin von Bismarck.
He was photographed by Franz Hanfstaengl.
He was made an honorary citizen of Munich in 1895.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 31

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Otto von Bismarck.

When was Otto von Bismarck born?

Otto von Bismarck was born on April 1, 1815. His full name is Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck.
Where was Otto von Bismarck born?

He was born in Schönhausen, a manor in the Province of Saxony, Prussia. This location is now part of Stendal, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
When did Otto von Bismarck die?

Otto von Bismarck died on July 30, 1898. He was 83 years old at the time of his death.
How old was Otto von Bismarck when he died?

He died at the age of 83. He was born in 1815 and died in 1898.
Where did Otto von Bismarck die?

He died in Friedrichsruh, a manor in Aumühle, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. He had lived there after his retirement.
What was Otto von Bismarck's birth name?

His birth name was Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck. He is commonly known as Otto von Bismarck.
What was Otto von Bismarck's occupation?

He was a writer. He also served as Chancellor of Germany from 1862 to 1890.
What nationality was Otto von Bismarck?

He was German. He was born in Prussia and later became a citizen of the German Empire.
What languages did Otto von Bismarck speak?

His native language was German. He likely also knew French and other languages common among diplomats.
Who were Otto von Bismarck's parents?

His parents were Ferdinand von Bismarck, a Junker landowner, and Wilhelmine Luise Mencken, from a well-educated family.
Who was Otto von Bismarck married to?

He was married to Johanna von Puttkamer. They wed on July 28, 1847, and remained together until her death in 1894.
Did Otto von Bismarck have children?

Yes, he had three children: Marie, Herbert, and Wilhelm. Marie was born in 1847, Herbert in 1849, and Wilhelm in 1852.
Did Otto von Bismarck have siblings?

Yes, he had two siblings: Malwine von Bismarck and Bernhard von Bismarck. Malwine was his sister and Bernhard his brother.
Where did Otto von Bismarck go to school?

He attended several schools, including the Plamannsche Erziehungsanstalt, Evangelisches Gymnasium zum Grauen Kloster, and Friedrich-Wilhelms-Gymnasium. He also studied at the University of Göttingen and the University of Berlin.
What awards did Otto von Bismarck receive?

He received many awards, including the Order of the Black Eagle, Pour le Mérite, and the Lifesaving Medal. He was also made an honorary citizen of several cities.
How many awards did Otto von Bismarck win?

According to records, he received at least 19 major awards, including the Order of the Crown and the Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece.
How tall was Otto von Bismarck?

He was 6 feet 4 inches tall, which is about 1.93 meters. His height was notable for his time.
Why was Otto von Bismarck called The Iron Chancellor?

His strong and authoritarian leadership style earned him the nickname The Iron Chancellor. The nickname reflects his decisive and unyielding approach to politics.
What alias did Otto von Bismarck use?

He sometimes used the alias O.Bismarck. This may have been used for signing documents or correspondence.
What was Otto von Bismarck known for?

He is best known for serving as Chancellor of Germany from 1862 to 1890. He also appears as a character in films like Die Entlassung 1942.
When did Otto von Bismarck get married?

He married Johanna von Puttkamer on July 28, 1847. The marriage lasted until her death on November 27, 1894.
Who are Otto von Bismarck's notable descendants?

His descendants include Count Carl-Eduard von Bismarck, who married actress Laura Harring, and Gottfried von Bismarck. He is also the great-grandfather of Gunilla Gräfin von Bismarck.
What films feature Otto von Bismarck as a character?

Bismarck appears in Die Entlassung 1942, Film socialisme 2010, and Royal Cousins at War 2014. These films depict him as a historical figure.
What honorary citizenships did Otto von Bismarck receive?

He was made an honorary citizen of Bonn, Coburg, and Munich in 1895. He also received honorary citizenship from other towns.
What titles did Otto von Bismarck hold?

He held the titles Count von Bismarck-Schönhausen 1865, Prince von Bismarck 1871, and Duke von Lauenburg 1890, ad personam.
What was the Order of the Black Eagle?

The Order of the Black Eagle was Prussia’s highest order of chivalry. Bismarck received this and many other decorations during his career.
What schools did Otto von Bismarck attend?

He attended the Plamannsche Erziehungsanstalt, Evangelisches Gymnasium zum Grauen Kloster, and Friedrich-Wilhelms-Gymnasium. He also studied at the University of Göttingen and the University of Berlin.
What is the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts?

The Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts is a prestigious German order awarded to scholars and artists. Bismarck was a recipient of this honor.
How many awards did Otto von Bismarck receive?

He received at least 19 major awards and honors, including the Lifesaving Medal and the Supreme Order of Christ. Many were from German states and other countries.
What was Otto von Bismarck's role as Chancellor?

As Chancellor from 1862 to 1890, he was the head of the German government. He was a dominant figure in European politics and was known as the Iron Chancellor.
Did Otto von Bismarck write any books?

He was a writer by occupation, but the source does not list specific books. He likely wrote political essays and memoirs.

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Olivia has 6 years of experience writing biographical profiles and still approaches every subject like it's the first one. She covers everyone from debut musicians to Hall of Fame athletes to novelists most people have never heard of. She finds something worth reading in all of them. Her drafts tend to come in already clean, which her editor appreciates. She says good writing is just good thinking written down. Hard to argue with that.

Published on March 13, 2026

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