A biographical film of Otto von Bismarck, the Prime Minister of Prussia, and how he and his policies - including aggressive war - helped to unite Germany.

For many years, old Mr. Brugg has been employed at the jewelry store owned by the elegant Mrs. Hellmers. His son Peter has also been working there for some time as a salesman and hopes for a promotion. When Mr. Brugg is knocked unconscious during a robbery, Mrs. Hellmers sends him into well-deserved retirement. Peter then takes over his father's position as manager, which forces him to break off contact with the young employee Charlotte – he wants to find a more suitable bride. He seems to have found her in Brigitte, Mrs. Hellmers' niece, but she doesn't want much to do with him.