Otto von Bismarck, Prussian chancellor, is most well known for

continuing to maintain, in spite of political developments, that the Austrian empire was "great by reason of its physical power, greater still by reason of its education and the intelligence which permeates it!"

saying "I cannot make a speech, but I can make Germany."

his attitude that German unification would be achieved "not by speeches and majority resolutions ... but by blood and iron."

being called "the sick man of Europe" in diplomatic circles