From the early 1860s to the 1890s, Otto von Bismarck was written into the history books. In September 1862, William I appealed for help from this man who, more than any other individual, “shaped the next thirty years of European history” (Kagan, Ozment, Turner 550-551). Bismarck was a realist, believing that actions spoke louder than words, trusting power and action more than ideas. Bismarck's upbringing, lifestyle, upbringing, and parents shaped him into becoming an autocratic leader. Otto Eduard Leopold von "Iron Chancellor" Bismarck was born on April 1, 1815 in Schönhausen, a municipality in Brandenburg, Prussia. Bismarck's father was a Prussian army officer and noble landowner better known as Junker. His father helped the Prussian state with most of its military officers and administrators. Bismarck's mother was very intelligent and well educated. My mother's side of the family was well known and included high-ranking officials and scholars. Bismarck was sent to Berlin to pursue higher education at the age of six. He attended the University of Göttingen at the age of seventeen, but eventually abandoned his studies to tend the family estates in Schönhausen. Eventually, Bismarck began to gain a reputation for himself once he became a deputy in the Prussian United Diet in 1847. (Williamson 14-15) Because Bismarck's parents were very familiar with the Prussian nobility, Bismarck was raised around of the power and authority of his father and the brilliant mind of his mother. Both of his parents held high positions. Through their position, Otto von Bismarck was able to gain access to the Prussian royal house, which ultimately led to him being...... middle of paper ......ent, Turner 550-551) Otto von Bismarck worked extremely hard. When he had a goal or task in mind, he accomplished it. His willingness to drop out of school to take care of the family estate shows that he was very family oriented. Bismarck probably admired his parents greatly, and under Bismarck's leadership, he intended to do great things and accomplish what he needed to in order to earn his father's pride and respect. Overall, Otto von Bismarck's main influence was his parents and his drive to succeed in whatever he did. During his nearly 30-year reign, he rose into a family of nobility and, in doing so, became prime minister, controlled most of Germany, and claimed the title of chancellor. On March 20, 1890, Bismarck resigned as did some historians of the Weimar period who saw "1890 as the end of a golden age." (Williamson 90-91)