Bismark's departure Flashcards
What formed the basis of his departure?
3 March 1888, Bismarck announced death of Wilhelm I to Reichstag. They both worked closely together and shared same vision for Prussia and Germany.
However, Wilhelm II, 29 yr old, when came to throne, felt little loyalty to 75 yr old Iron Chancellor who ruled Germany in such an authoritarian manner.
What was the mistake of Bismarck of viewing Wilhelm II?
underestimated political skills of Wilhelm II
Who was Wilhelm II? what did he dislike?
a nationalist who advocated an aggressive foreign policy designed to rapidly expand Germany.
Disliked Bismarck, blocking his control and determined in opposition to old Chancellor.
When did Bismarck resign?
on 20th MArch 1890, Bismarck was forced resignation and nine days later, left behind life of politics and power in Berlin.
What happened under leadership of Bismarck?
Germany became the most powerful nation on continent of Europe.
What happened in Bismarck’s time of power and peace after unification of Germany before outbreak of ww1 in 1914?
- 19th century produced revolution, pitched battles and peace
- his years of peace brought immense technological and economic change.
- Railways, telegraph and steamships ushered in a revolution in communication
How did Europe’s prosperity and social change occur?
- massive increases in the continent’s manufacturing and agricultural output.
- Under Bismarck, new electrical and chemical industries developed and mineral resources exploited - leading to great wealth and industrial change.
- Wealth gave opportunity for social reforms that gave German workers industrial accident and health laws, insurance schemes and pensions.
What did Bismarck achieve by 1890?
developed economic unity to reinforce German nationhood.
What was Bismarck’s greatest legacy?
creation of a nation from the various states, principalities(state ruled by Prince) and free cities of Germany.
What remains a historical debate?
whether Bismarck planned german unification, or whether it was a product of his desire to assert Prussian power against Austria.
Whether history judges Bismarck as a political realist, opportunist or idealist, his influence in shaping modern world is undeniable.
How did Bismarck dominate Europe?
through the force of his personality and intellect.
The ‘iron chancellor’ was able to establish a triumphant and sovereign Germany state that became the greatest power of 19th century Europe.
When did he die?
31 July, 1898.
Why was the European peace of Bismarck’s year fragile?
as based on belied that military preparedness would deter aggression.
Was era of diplomatic crisis brought about by clashes over territorial and economic interests of the great European powers.
The great European powers acknowledged the power that each had to wage war.
What did the ‘Concert of Europe’ continue to provide?
provide forum for diplomacy to deal with European rivalry. The Concert had not written rules or permanent institutions but relied on personal relationships and understanding built by politicians like Bismarck.
