ABSTRACT

With the accession of William II a new epoch began, but his personality was not fully revealed until a year and three-quarters later, after Bismarck’s dismissal. Bismarck had many enemies, open and secret, among the generals, senior officials and princes, and so there were many influences which joined in inducing William to dismiss his Chancellor. In the circumstances Bismarck took very good care not to give the diplomatic representatives of Austria-Hungary any assurances of unconditional military support from the Reich. In 1889 Otto Bismarck had completed his scheme of workers’ insurance by introducing old age and sickness benefits but, as has been mentioned, he set his face against shorter hours, measures for the welfare of women and children and Sunday rest-days. Bismarck debated the possibility of a coup, drew up a plan of campaign against the Reichstag and enlisted the Emperor’s support.