Bismarck's fall

Why was Bismarck’s position in jeopardy?

Wilhelm was in his 80s and his heir, Crown Prince Frederick, held liberal views and would likely dismiss Bismarck.

What was Bismarck’s power like under Wilhelm I?

• They had stormy meetings and often fought but they understood each other.

• Wilhelm would let Bismarck have his own way.

What happened to Frederick?

He died of cancer three months after Wilhelm I.

What was Wilhelm II’s character like?

• Nationalist

• Believed in the divine right of kings.

• Intelligent and energetic.

• Overbearing, arrogant and erratic

Why did Bismarck and Wilhelm II start to conflict?

• Bismarck assumed he would not get involved with government and treated him in a condescending manner.

• Wilhelm wanted to rule and reign.

What did Bismarck and Wilhelm disagree about?

• Social policy - Wilhelm was confident that he could win over the working class through an extension of the welfare system, including a ban on child labour and Sunday working. Bismarck favoured further repression.

• Bismarck proposed making the Anti-Socialist Law permanent, however Wilhelm wanted it watered down. Bismarck refused and was then let down by the Reichstag who rejected the entire bill.

• Wilhelm issued a proclamation that promised new social legislation. Bismarck had not signed it and the next election was a disaster for him.

How did Bismarck plan to recover his position?

• Ask the Reichstag for an increase in the army and a repressive anti-socialist law.

• When they inevitably refused, the German Princes would meet, alter the constitution and curtail the Reichstag’s powers.

• Wilhelm refused and their relations got worse.

What caused Bismarck to be dismissed?

• Wilhelm and Bismarck fought over the right of ministers to advise the monarch.

• Bismarck found an order issued in 1852 that forbade the minsters from approaching the king without going through the Minister-President of Prussia.

• Wilhelm demanded this order be withdrawn.

• Bismarck was given an ultimatum to either resign or be dismissed.

• The official announcement was that he resigned due to poor health and that Wilhelm had tried to change his mind.