Biography

Pourtales worked in the diplomatic service from 1838 first in England, then until 1844 in Constantinople and Naples, from 1844 to 1846 he was a legation councilor in Berlin. The connection between romance and modernity, which in P.met, makes him appear as a typical figure in the circle of Friedrich Wilhelm IV., for whom he prepared escape plans in the March crisis in 1848. He was involved in the negotiations of the Malmö armistice and then went as envoy to Constantinople (until 1851). In the early 1850s he was one of the leading figures in the liberal-conservative group around the “Preussische Wochenblatt” and, during the Crimean War, advocated a policy of integrating Prussia with the West. He intended to lead Prussia in a more liberal direction in foreign policy against Russia and domestically, following England. At the turn of the year 1853/54 P. was sent on an official mission to London, where he was at court and in talks with the Foreign Minister, Clarendon, the Prussian.Attitude of "active neutrality" in the oriental. Question explained; of course, the recognizable anti-Austrian aroused. Head of prussia. Foreign policy in London some distrust. After these plans failed, he had to retire in 1854. He went abroad on vacation (Switzerland, Venice) and was sent as ambassador to Paris in 1859 during the reign of Prince Regent Wilhelm, with whom he had established relationships as early as 1848, where Bismarck succeeded him in 1862.