Answer:
Realpolitik is a political philosophy that emphasizes practical and material factors rather than ideological or ethical considerations in making decisions. It is often associated with the idea of power politics, where states prioritize their own self-interest and security over other concerns.
In the case of German unification, Realpolitik played a key role in the actions of the German states and the Prussian government in the mid-19th century. The policy of Realpolitik led to a series of alliances and power struggles between the various German states, with the goal of increasing their own influence and territory.
Prussia, led by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, pursued a policy of Realpolitik in order to unite the German states under Prussian leadership. Bismarck used a combination of diplomacy, military force, and political maneuvering to achieve this goal. He formed alliances with smaller German states and used them to isolate and defeat larger ones, ultimately leading to the defeat of Austria in 1866 and the unification of the German states into a single nation-state under Prussian leadership.
In short, Bismarck's policy of Realpolitik, which prioritized the pursuit of Prussian interests and power, ultimately led to the unification of Germany through a series of strategic alliances and military conflicts.