Who played a key role in the unification of Germany in 1871?

Otto von Bismarck played a pivotal role in the unification of Germany in 1871 due to his strategic political maneuvering and diplomatic acumen. As the Prime Minister of Prussia, Bismarck recognized that a united Germany under Prussian leadership would strengthen the state economically and militarily. He cleverly utilized a series of wars—against Denmark, Austria, and France—to galvanize the various German states towards unification under Prussia. His approach combined nationalism, diplomacy, and realpolitik, which enabled him to manipulate situations to favor German unity.

Bismarck's successes culminated in the proclamation of the German Empire in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles on January 18, 1871, where he ensured that the German states would accept Prussian leadership. His influence extended beyond mere military success, as he engineered the political conditions necessary for merging the diverse German states into a cohesive nation, making him a central figure in this historical milestone.

The other choices do not align with the context of German unification. Wilhelm I was the King of Prussia and later the first Emperor of Germany, but he largely acted in support of Bismarck's policies. Jawaharlal Nehru was an important figure in Indian