Johanna von Puttkamer

wife of Bismarck

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July 16, 2026

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Johanna von Puttkamer was the wife of Otto von Bismarck, the influential Prussian statesman. She came from a devoutly pietistic and aristocratic family. Bismarck met her while courting and experienced a religious conversion that provided him with inner strength and security. Their marriage was reportedly very happy, with Bismarck's last words expressing a desire to see her again. Johanna's background and influence contributed to Bismarck's conservative political views, which emphasized the defense of the existing social and political order and a belief in a Christian state sanctioned by God.1

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Otto von Bismarck
Early years
…period he met and married Johanna von Puttkamer, the daughter of a conservative aristocratic family famed for its devout pietism. While courting Johanna, Bismarck experienced a religious conversion that was to give him inner strength and security. A subsequent critic was to remark that Bismarck believed in a God who…
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…period he met and married Johanna von Puttkamer, the daughter of a conservative aristocratic family famed for its devout pietism. While courting Johanna, Bismarck experienced a religious conversion that was to give him inner strength and security. A subsequent critic was to remark that Bismarck believed in a God who…
Read More