Final answer:
Bismarck intended to strengthen Prussia and later the German Empire through Realpolitik, a pragmatic and opportunistic approach. He avoided overexpansion by not occupying Austria, isolating France, and manipulating diplomatic relations to consolidate Prussian dominance and achieve German unification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 'War in Sight' crisis of the late 1870s was a period of heightened international tension mainly due to Bismarck's diplomatic maneuvers. Otto von Bismarck's intentions during this crisis aligned with his overarching strategy of strengthening Prussia and later the German Empire, primarily through the application of Realpolitik.
Bismarck aimed to consolidate Prussia's position as the leading German power by carefully managing its relationships with other European powers. His approach was pragmatic and opportunistic, meant to secure Prussian interests without overexpansion that could create untenable political and military commitments. For example, following the swift victory in the Austro-Prussian War, Bismarck convinced King Wilhelm not to pursue the occupation of Austria, maintaining a balance of power that favored Prussia without the burden of an extended occupation. This was a signature display of Bismarck's Realpolitik, reflecting his preference for political power over territorial conquest.
In furthering German unification, Bismarck utilized conflicts such as those with Denmark over Schleswig and Holstein and the strategic victories over Austria and France to exclude Catholic Austria from German affairs, expand German territory and influence, and ultimately unify Germany under Prussian dominance. The acquisition of Alsace and Lorraine from France, following the Franco-Prussian War, was also crucial in this politics of power. Knowing the landscape of European politics and the intricate web of alliances, Bismarck's foreign policy aimed at isolating France and bringing the southern German states into the fold by fomenting tensions, which eventually led to the Franco-Prussian War and the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871.