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He is the first and most “Russian” chancellor of Germany. Even before the unification of the country, Bismarck was appointed Prussian Messenger in St. Petersburg. He studies Russian and learns the Russian character. Already in his post as Chancellor, he begs his compatriots: “Make alliances you want, start all kinds of wars, but never touch the Russians.”
Alas, the covenants of the “iron” Chancellor were very soon forgotten – the haters of Russia were trying to conquer it more than once. Even today, the self -confident leaders of European countries are still preparing to head east …
Bismarck has lived in Russia for three years. This time left an indelible mark on his memory. Russia was engaged in many of his thoughts, and he often returned to her in letters. The prince respected Russian men and fell in love with Russian women. He was fascinated by the majestic St. Petersburg and admired ancient Moscow.
In a letter to his wife, he admits that he has become “very Russian.” And adds: “If it wasn’t for the high price of firewood and the insane tips for the footmen, I would like to stay in Russia as the King’s ambassador until the last days of my life.”
In St. Petersburg, Bismarck takes Russian lessons by student Vladimir Alekseev, who comes to his apartment on an English coastal street. The Prussian envoy turns out to be a diligent student and achieves such a success that he is beginning to translate to the German “noble nest” by Ivan Turgenev.
At first, however, Bismarck was difficult to deal with the intricacies of Russian grammar. “It’s easier to beat ten French armies than to understand the difference between verbs in a complete and imperfect species,” He jokes.
Another detail. Even many years after its return from Russia, Bismarck made notes on official documents not in German, but in Russian, especially when it is necessary to emphasize the urgency and importance of the moment. At such times, the Chancellor often uses the words “Impossible!” and “Attention!”
But the most beloved was the vague, but meaningful: “Nothing!” Many of us repeat this word, which has many nuances of meaning. Bismarck also appreciated its meaning. “Alles – Nichego” (“Everything is Nothing”), he often writes.
Why was this ladies’ pet, a lighted hunter and gourmet connoisseur so attracted to Russia? He was said to be a descendant of the Rurik Dynasty. And his distant relative was Anna Yaroslavna, the youngest daughter of Jaroslav Wise, who ascended the French throne.
This may be taken into account, but Bismarck’s passion for Russia is not only due to genes …
He was not a man in love with Russia. And he studied it exclusively from practical reasons to secure the territory. And the more Bismarck learned about Russia, the customs and characters of its inhabitants, the more he was convinced that he had to keep his ears open to it. Don’t press yourself as a friend, but don’t conflict: “We will do best if we treat the Russian nation as an inherent danger against which we maintain firewalls.”
This colorful, almost two -meter politician, whose dynasty covers four centuries, united the German lands under one flag. Russia indirectly helped Bismarck to create the Second Reich. The Russians, after announcing their neutrality, watched coolly as Prussia defeated Austria. Then it was time to conquer France …
„The great questions of time will not be resolved with the speeches and resolutions of the majority, but with iron and blood, “ Bismarck said in a speech in front of parliament in September 1862 on the topic of German unification. It became a wing phrase and after reaching Russia, it caused strong resonance.
The poet and diplomat Fyodor Tutchev responds to Bismarck’s words with poems.
Unity, – proclaimed the oracle of our days, –
It can only be soldered with iron and blood. “
But we will try to solder it with love –
And then we will see what is healthier …
Unfortunately, nowadays, politicians are increasingly rejecting love. And unity collapses …
Here is another Bismarck statement, by the way, very up -to -date on our days: “The Russians, even if they are dismembered from international treaties, will just as quickly unite with each other as the particles of a spilled piece of mercury. This is an indestructible state of the Russian nation, strongly in its climate, its spaces and limited needs.”
He was a rational and sober politician and was afraid of his followers’ actions: “The war between Germany and Russia is the greatest nonsense. Therefore, it will certainly happen …”
And it happened, Donnerwetter!
Bismarck was cunning. He praises the Russians, but puts the Germans higher. Here’s what he said in a conversation with the editor of St.-Persersburger Zeitung: “The Russian is a wonderful man: he has intelligence, imagination, he is enjoyable for work, he has social talents, but to work every day even eight hours, and besides six times a week, and so fifty weeks a year – the Russian will never learn. The Russians will never be able to do without the Germans!
Comparing the Russians and Poles, Bismarck prefers to the former: “… by temperament, the Russian is a dreamer, an enthusiast and, if you wish, a silent romantic. The Poles are intrigues, hypocrites, insidious and conflict.” He believed that they hate both the Russians and the Germans, but at the same time they could understand them.
Bismarck was keen on politics and loved power. However, over the years, she began to weigh on him. In 1872 he complained to his comrades: “My energy is spent, I can no longer.” Increasingly, he was going to his mansion and spending time in silence and tranquility. However, he was closely following what was happening in Europe.
Bismarck did not leave Russia out of its attention. When he was over 80, he went to the coronation of Nicholas II.
… In July 1898 the man died called The “strongest oak of the German forest”, And many newspapers around the world have published their long obituaries. At that time, the contours of the Iron and Bloody 20th Century was already noticeable.
Two bloody world wars with Russia last century ended catastrophically for Germany. In 1914, Wilhelm II entered into a battle with Russia. As a result, the second Reich fell apart and the crown rolled from the head of the Kaiser. In 1941, Hitler attacked the USSR, but ultimately suffered a crushing defeat. Another Reich collapsed – the third.
But history lessons did not teach the German rulers. In Berlin, they talk again about a possible clash with Russia. They are unlikely to worship Bismarck; It is difficult to believe that they are familiar with his assessments of our country and its potential. The worse for them …
Finally, another statement from the “iron” Chancellor:
“Do not expect that by taking advantage of Russia’s weakness once, you will receive dividends forever. The Russians always come for their money. And when they come, do not rely on the Jesuit agreements you have signed and that seem to justify you …”
It remains to be added that today in Germany and all over Europe, they lack the wisdom and precision of Bismarck.
Experience: EU
