002 - Speech from the Throne

Dive into the powerful world of Otto von Bismarck through this curated collection of his speeches, expertly translated by art historian Edmund von Mach and published in 1914 as part of THE GERMAN CLASSICS. This extensive twenty-volume anthology showcases 487 works by ninety-two influential figures, as noted by George Viereck in a 1915 article in THE FATHERLAND. According to von Mach, Bismarck rarely penned his speeches, relying instead on official stenographic reports for publication. However, the notable Speech from the Throne, crafted by Bismarck for Wilhelm I in response to the French declaration of war in 1870, stands as a unique exception. The titles attributed to these speeches reflect their compelling content and rhetoric. In this first installment, youll hear about Professorial Politics (1863), the impactful Speech from the Throne (1870), Alsace–Lorraine as a Glacis Against France (1871), the defiant We Shall Never Go to Canossa! (1872), and Bismarck as the “Honest Broker” (1878). - Summary by Alister