ABSTRACT
This chapter is a close study of the intellectual development of Heinrich von Treitschke. It uncovers the two driving forces in Treitschke’s development: his liberalism, his concern with intellectual freedom and political liberty; and his nationalism, his devotion to the cause of a united Germany. These forces eventually came into conflict with one another: Bismarck’s methods to achieve Germany unity collided with the ideal of liberty. Treitschke eventually chose nationalism over liberty, when he decided to support Bismarck and the conservative party. Treitschke was also one of the great apostles of Realpolitik, a young disciple of Machiavelli, which was an important force in aligning him with Bismarck.
