From her formal unification at Versailles in 1871, Bismarck, the first German Chancellor, took control of his new German State. Yet twenty years later, the 'Bismarckian era' in German history had ended, culminating in Bismarck's departure. With unification complete at least geographically, by 1871, Bismarck's next challenge lay with domestic policy and the running of the new German constitution.

In the early 1870s, Bismarck relied on the support of the National Liberals in the Reichstag as they were the largest single party. Bismarck acted to strengthen the newly created state in order to ensure its prosperity, and succeeded in establishing the State bank (Reichsbank) and adopting the gold standard. Bismarck also formed a National Court of Appeal that helped to promote feelings of a united state. With industry and economy booming, one could say that Bismarck was relatively successful during 'foundation time', opposing the suggestion.

Yet Bismarck was a pragmatist, and just as he had changed policies prior to 1870, so he continued to change his line of attack in the post-1870

period. Following the impact of the 'Gre

That apart, Bismarck was successful for keeping Germany together as much as he did. There were no problems with individual states breaking away from the Reich and as a nation, and Germany became one of the great European powers - not solely because of its domestic stability.

Bismarck managed to convince the people at the 1878 election that protectionism was the way forward and subsequently the National Liberals were defeated. Tariffs were imposed, and a new political pattern of Conservative dominance emerged, which Bismarck had hoped for. Bismarck also managed here to strengthen German unity by showing the people that it was in German interests from Europe competition. Hence a successful policy for Bismarck, and not as suggested by the comment.

The new young and headstrong leader conflicted with Bismarck over many issues such as the rights of ministers, and ultimately the anti-Socialist legislation. William II all but dismissed Bismarck, sending him an ultimatum of resignation. By mid-1890, Bismarck was no longer Chancellor. In one sense this may be seen as unsuccessful period for Bismarck. He had underestimated William, with his judgement again at fault.

The suggested comment can hence be claimed to be valid in some areas as far as Bismarck's success was concerned; yet claims that he was inept are slightly 'off the mark' in view of his reasons and the state of the nation.

Due to the state of German identity, Bismarck's handling of domestic policy was always going to be difficult and so can be excused for the lack of success. The fact that the German people were barely emotionally unified can also excuse Bismarck from the suggested comment that he was inept. Facing these national problems, Bismarck couldn't rule in his dictatorial and absolute fashion that he wanted. He found himself having to fight supposed threats to unity, such as Catholicism and Socialism, to try and ensure that he could run Germany in his 'Bismarckian' style. If he couldn't run Germany in the way that he wanted, then the suggested comment that he was inept is a harsh one. It was also this factor that contributed to Bismarck's lack of success, so the suggested comment that Bismarck was unsuccessful would again seem harsh.

However hard the new united Germany was to run in the first decades since its formal unification, Bismarck was Chancellor and was ultimately responsible. He had some success in his early years whilst building up the German economy which was extended throughout his term. The issue of protectionism was another positive note, as was his dealing with the political parties up to a point. Bismarck was a cunning politician and used his skills of pragmatism and principle to run the German political scene. Yet Bismarck's power always seemed to be limited as time wore on.

The Socialists were anti-monarchist revolutionaries, and were hence an obvious target for Bismarck. He became increasingly alarmed by the increasing success of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), winning 12 seats in 18

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Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)