Prince Bismarck and his Policy. 



83 



defended the Olmiitz policy, while in his inmost soul he 

 cursed it.^ 



On the strength of the most excellent authority he knew 

 that the Prussian army was no match for the Austrian. 

 But this state of things cured him of one illusion, i. e. 

 that Austria could be the German representative power, and 

 that Prussia alone could be the standard bearer of 

 German unity. Henceforth he had only one idea, chi- 

 merical as it seemed at first — to humble and isolate 

 Austria ; to fight Komanism and turn the smaller German 

 states to seek for themselves unity of Germany through 

 Prussia. 



In his defence of the Olmiitz conference, public opinion 

 pursued him with bitter hatred, and especially was the 

 Prussian nobility attacked in him. 



''Ichbin stolz darauf ein Preussischer Junker zu sein." 

 At this time Bismarck's career underwent a great change; 

 i. e. he became diplomatist. Prussia's representation in 

 Frankfort had to be guided by stronger hands since her 

 humiliation at Olmiitz through Austria. She needed a 

 representative, who was acceptable to Austria ; who could 

 manage Prussia's interests with delicacy and firmness and 

 who understood how to defend the rights of the crown and 

 nation. 



King, ministry and the majority of the people felt this 

 humiliating position ; especially was the king's brother, 

 the present emperor, desirous of reorganizing the army, and 

 making it a match for any on the continent. 



Bismarck was elected embassador to Frankfort; all felt 

 that ill his hands Prussia's interests would be safe, while 

 he, in defending the Olmiitz conference, was 'd persona grate 

 at the court of Vienna. 



* A circular of Prince Scliwarzenberg says : " His majesty fhe emperor . 

 thinks it his duty to comply with the desire of the king of Prussia, so 

 modestly expressed," 



