The first ruler of unified Germany in the 19th century was Otto von Bismarck, who became known as the Chancellor of the German Empire. Bismarck played a crucial role in unifying Germany through a series of strategic wars and diplomatic maneuvering during the 1860s and early 1870s. His policies, known as Realpolitik, prioritized practical and pragmatic approaches over ideological considerations. The unification was proclaimed in 1871 after the Franco-Prussian War, resulting in the establishment of the German Empire, with King Wilhelm I of Prussia becoming its first emperor. Bismarck’s leadership significantly influenced European politics in the years following unification.