Abstract:

In Max Weber’s exposition of the German politics, Bismarck’s personality image, political deeds and his political legacy undoubtedly are core issues. As the actual creator of the German Empire, Bismarck turned Germany with all the states falling apart into a unified country. Moreover, a series of political changes led by him profoundly shaped the German state. This paper attempts to use Weber’s doctrine of dominance as the starting point to advance the explanation of the growth and realistic effects of Bismarck’s political mind from the aspects of “Bonapartism” and “dynasty”, which will help us further understand the meaning of “state” in German sociological tradition.

Key words: dominance, Bismarck, empire, Bonapartism, dynasty