The decline and fall of Bismarck

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Bismarck and WIlhelm I

Bismarck and Wilhelm:

  • Bismarck's power was never questioned as it was given to him by the Kaiser.
  • However, Bismarck and Wilhelm I always qaurrelled and their relationship was stormy.
  • Despite this, they understood each other.
  • Wilhem remarked "It is not easy being Emporer under such a Chancellor."
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Bismarck and Frederick

Wilhelm died in MArch 1888, which changed things for Bismarck:

  • Bismarck's position became unsteady.
  • This was because Wilhelm's son, Frederick was a man of liberal views who would want a liberal Chancellor.
  • However, Frederick died from cancer 3 months after becoming Kaiser.
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Bismarck and Wilhelm II

Once Frederick had died, there was a new Kaiser, Wilhelm II, who had differing views than Bismarck:

  • Wilhelm was a convinced German nationalist, believing he had the divine right of kings to rule.
  • This was totally different to Wilhelm I as he gave Bismarck all his power.
  • Bismarck believed he was safe again as he had cultivated a relationship with Wilhelm II dor several years, and Wilhelm II had publically expressed his admiration for Bismarck.
  • Bismarck assumed that Wilhelm would not involve himself much in government, and therefore treated him in a condescending manner.
  • Wilhelm was determined to rule as well as to reign.
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Bismarck and Wilhelm II in Conflict

It was not before long that Wilhelm II and Bismarck were in conflict with each other. This was because:

  • Wilhelm II questioned the need to maintain the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia.
  • They disagreed over social policy:
    • Wilhelm II wanted to win over the working class with a modest extension of welfare, such as ending child labour and working on a Sunday.
    • Whereas Bsmarck wanted further repression.
  • In 1889, Bismarck proposed to make the Anti-Socialist Law permanent, whereas WIlhelm wanted it watered down. This was refused by Bismsarck.
  • The Reichstag also rejected the entire bill in Janurary 1890, which was the first sign that Bismarck's political power was crumbling.
  • In Feburary 1890, Wilhelm II issued a proclamation promising new social legislation, whilst the new Reichstag elections were under way.
  • Bisnarmck's counter signature was absent.
  • The election was a disaster for Bismarck, as his Conservative and National Liberal allies lost 85 seats whilst the Radicals gained 46 seats and the Socialists won 24 seats.
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Bismarck's Last Stand

Bismarck was trapped between a hostile Reichstag and a Kaiser bent on having his own way. As a result, Bismarck took his last chance:

  • Bismarck asked the Reichstag to agree to a large increase in the army and a new and extremely reoressive anti-socialist law.
  • If the Reichstag refused, an assembly of German Princes would meet, to alter the constitution to curtail the Reichstag's powers.
  • Wilhelm refused to support Bismarck's plan.
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Wilhelm and Bismarck#s last quarrel

Wilhelm and Bismarck's last quarrel was:

  • In March 1890, Bismarck and Wilhelm quarrelled over the right of ministers to advise the Kaiser.
  • This was because Bismarck revived an old order from 1852, which forbade ministers to approach the Prussian King, except through the Minister-President.
  • Bismarck interpreted this to extend to the Kaiser and himself as Chancellor.
  • Wilhelm was not prepared for such restrictions and commanded the 1852 order to be withdrawn.
  • This led to Bismarck's dismissal.
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Bismarck's Dismissal

As a result of Wilhelm and Bismarck's last quarrel and their continuing conflict, Bismarck was offered an ultimatum:

  • To resign or be dismissed.
  • In his resignation letter, Bismarck justified his actions, by claiming the real difference between himself and WIlhelm was due to the Kaiser's pursuit of an anti-Russian policy.
  • This letter was not made public until after his death.
  • The official announcement implied that Bismarck resigned for health reasons and that Wilhelm urged him to change his mind.

Bismarck's Death:

  • Bismarck retired with ill grace.
  • His memoirs and newspaper articles were critical of Wilhelm. (Bismarck was even heard, speaking in favour of republicanism).
  • Bismarck died in July 1898, and, on his grave, were the words: "Here lies a true servant of the Emperor William I."
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