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Lecture

William Tyler
France Outsmarted by Bismarck

Monday 29.09.2025

How to watch

This lecture starts on 29 September at 5:00pm (UK).

Summary

Prussia’s great chancellor Otto von Bismarck (1815-98) dreamed of creating a unified Germany. He fought three wars toward that end, against Denmark, Austria, and finally, in 1870, France. Having humiliated France at the Battle of Sedan, Bismarck entered Paris and in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles proclaimed a new, unified Germany, forever altering the course of European politics.

William Tyler

An image of William Tyler

William Tyler has spent his entire professional life in adult education, beginning at Kingsgate College in 1969. He has lectured widely for many public bodies, including the University of Cambridge and the WEA, in addition to speaking to many clubs and societies. In 2009, William was awarded the MBE for services to adult education, and he has previously been a scholar in residence at the London Jewish Cultural Centre. Link to William’ s blog with recommended book lists for his Lockdown lectures.