Although Bismarck hoped to become a diplomat, he started his practical training as a lawyer in Aachen and Potsdam, and soon resigned, having first placed his career in jeopardy by taking unauthorised leave to pursue two English girls: first Laura Russell, niece of the Duke of Cleveland, and then Isabella Loraine-Smith, daughter of a wealthy clergyman. In 1838, Bismarck began a shortened compulsory military service in the Prussian Army; actively serving as a one-year volunteer before becoming an officer in the Landwehr (reserve). Afterwards he returned to run the family estates at Schönhausen on his mother's death in his mid-twenties.
although bismarck hoped to become a diplomat he started his practical training as a lawyer in aachen and potsdam and soon resigned having first placed his career in jeopardy by taking unauthorised leave to pursue two english girls first laura russell niece of the duke of cleveland and then isabella loraine-smith daughter of a wealthy clergyman in 1838 bismarck began a shortened compulsory military service in the prussian army; actively serving as a one-year volunteer before becoming an officer in the landwehr (reserve) afterwards he returned to run the family estates at schönhausen on his mother's death in his mid-twenties