Final answer:
Wilhelm I's description of Otto von Bismarck reflects his role in shaping complex European alliances. Bismarck, who practiced Realpolitik, used alliances to serve German interests, leading to an unsustainable alliance system that contributed to World War I.
Step-by-step explanation:
Wilhelm I, the Prussian King, described Otto von Bismarck as a leader who shaped the nature of the alliance systems in Europe, a strategy that was complex and ultimately unsustainable. Bismarck, known for his realism and pragmatism, was a master of Realpolitik, prioritizing practical decisions over ideology or moral considerations. He used alliances tactically, ensuring they served Prussian and later German interests, which often was at the expense of creating sustained peace in Europe. After becoming prime minister in 1862, Bismarck led a series of wars to unite the German principalities, manipulated nationalist sentiments, and fashioned an empire through force, later known as Germany.
His approach to foreign policy focused on creating alliances to prevent the domination of powers like Russia and France. A significant alliance was the Triple Alliance, which included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. However, these alliances also led to rivalries and counter-alliances, such as the Triple Entente between Russia, France, and Britain. These burgeoning alliances and conflicts contributed to the onset of World War I, as countries were bound by treaties to support one another, escalating regional disputes into a global conflict. Bismarck's legacy, while leaving Germany in a powerful position, set the stage for a volatile and conflict-prone system of international relations.