What methods did Bismarck use to unite Italy and Germany?

Bismarck used a combination of diplomatic maneuvering and strategic wars to unite Germany. He skillfully manipulated political alliances and conflicts, such as provoking the Austro-Prussian War in 1866 and the Franco-Prussian War in 1870-71, to rally the German states around Prussia. While Bismarck did not directly unite Italy, he supported Italian unification indirectly by weakening Austria, which allowed Italian nationalists to succeed in their efforts. His Realpolitik approach emphasized pragmatic, opportunistic strategies over idealistic goals.