The decline and fall of Bismarck

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."