The saying “blood and iron” or “blut und eisen” comes from a speech encouraging German unity given by Otto Von Bismark in 1862. Bismark was summoned to speak to the Prussian Landtag, to convince them that an increase in military spending was necessary. Bismark and King Whilhelm worked together, Bismark became the Prime Minister of Prussia and they increased the military budget reforming the army despite the Landtag. The speech to the Landtag was basically saying that military force would be much more effective than diplomacy.