From the beginning of his political involvement in 1847, to his appointment as Imperial Chancellor in 1871, until his dismissal by Kaiser William II in 1890, Otto von Bismarck embodied the epitome of European statesmanship that enlarged the Prussian monarchy through skillful diplomacy and limited war. The ability to recognize and blend the relationship between policy and
strategy resulted in the unification of various smaller sovereigns, and the creation of a single German state under t he auspices of the Prussian monarchy.
According to Carl von Clausewitz, limited war can take on two forms: offensive war with a limited aim and defensive war.

1. Both are applicable in relation to Bismarck's career that saw an application of the former up to 1871, and the lat ter during his period of consolidation. In his book, On War, Clausewitz points out that offensive war with a limited aim culminates in the occupation of enemy territory that will reduce his national resources. Furt hermore, o nce t his means to an end is accomplished, an asset is thus made available at the negotiating table for trading or bargaining.

2. In distinguishing between unlimited and limited war, it will suffice to refer back to Clausewitz who states that absolute (unlimited) war is the mobilization of all resources. The opposite (limited war) embodies the limited mobilization of limited resources.
Clausewitz goes on to explain that limited war is dictated by political motives. More simply put, war is a cont inuation of policy.

3. As we shall see, Bismarck's political goals never over-extended beyond Prussian rule over a greater Germany. While exhibiting a reckless ambition