Final answer:
Bismarck's 'blood and iron' phrase reflected his belief in military strength and industrial might as the foundations of national power, aligning with his Realpolitik approach.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Otto von Bismarck equated Prussia's power to "blood and iron," he was expressing his belief that the strength of a nation was rooted in military power and industrial might, rather than in political speeches and democratic decisions. This phrase encapsulates Bismarck’s policy of Realpolitik, a pragmatic approach focused on practical objectives over moral or ideological considerations.
Bismarck's use of wars to unify Germany and his focus on building a powerful Prussian state demonstrated his willingness to use conflict (“blood”) and industrial strength (“iron”) to achieve national objectives.