The German states however, were stuck in the middle.
Without any strong ties with one another, the German states were nothing more then a median between two superpowers: France and Russia. These countries, if war broke out, would trample through the German states without giving it a second thought. The states were weak, undeveloped, disorganized, and begging for some type of guidance. This leadership would come from Prussia, with Otto von Bismarck at the wheel. .
Once appointed Chancellor of Prussia, Bismarck immediately took an arbitrary role in the government by dismissing the chamber, imposing taxes, and setting himself to the task of reorganizing and strengthening the Prussian army. With many of the liberals in Prussia upset by the actions that Bismarck took, he went to the task of taking their views off of Prussia's internal affairs, and to the external. Not only was he able to turn their attention outside of Prussia, but actually support his actions. That seemed to be the way his entire career was; he would have many critics, until the final result became known and the people were actually able to see the outcome of the work he did. .
With the idea of Prussia taking a leadership role, Bismarck knew he had to get rid of all Austrian influence in the German states. To have a totally united Germany there were a few key things that had to happen. These were, no Austrian influence, high nationalism, and a common goal. Each of these reasons Bismarck was able to utilize and use to the best of his ability to complete his goal. One thing Bismarck was able to use to his advantage was Europe's ignorant view on Prussia and Prussia's power. They misunderstood Prussia's neutrality, and decision to stay out of conflicts to be a sign of weakness.
"Prussia is always leaning on somebody Prussia unaided could not keep the Rhine or the Vistula for a month from her ambitious neighbors." Rothfels, p.