Vocabulary
The state Bismarck represented as prime minister
The first war waged by Otto Von Bismarck was against this country due to the question of control over two border states; Schleswig-Holstein.
Always a statesman, Otto von Bismarck was practical and didn't let ideals get in the way of his main goal of unifying Germany. Practicing this he developed policies based on the interests of his country.
The man who appointed Bismarck to prime minister.
Before this, customs duties needed to be paid at every state border which was a disincentive to trade. After this economic policy was established in 1834 many German states were now encouraged to trade with one another.
This office within the Empire was first occupied by Otto von Bismarck in 1871. In this role he was chief minister of state; like a prime minister. Hitler would later hold the same office from 1933-1945, and today this office is occupied by Angela Merkel.
What is the office of Chancellor?
This body of leaders and diplomats of various countries (inc. Austria, Russia, England, France etc.) separated Germany into 39 states in order to maintain a balance of power throughout Europe.
It is the meaning of the word Reich.
This was the First Reich. At times it included Germany, Switzerland, Austria, parts of Italy, and the Netherlands. Making it a thousand year Reich it stretched from 800 - 1806, until it was dissolved by Napoleon.
When Napoleon Bonaparte was in control of the area that is now Germany, he setup this confederation of client states named after a river in Germany.
What is the Confederation of the Rhine? Or simply the River Rhine.