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

Bismarck's Chancellorship between 1871-90 was never going to be easy. His handling of domestic policy in the years varied, with areas of success mixed amongst relative failures. The rise of Germany to a feared European power during the era may well be a reflection of Bismarck's work, however domestically Bismarck failed to control a political arena or state that was modernising into 'Weltpolitik', away from his 'Realpolitik'.

Most of the southern and Rhine states were Catholic. The new empire mixed Protestants and Catholics, yet the Catholics were still in a minority. They had formed the Centre party, and won 57 seats in the 1871 election. Bismarck saw this party as a grave danger to the unity he wanted to create, especially as he knew they would always obey Rome and not Berlin. In one sense here, it can be said that Bismarck's execution of the 'Kulturkampf' was not inept or even a wrong decision to take. Bismarck had his aims and merely tried to establish them, whilst eradicating possible threats to them.

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.

One saw Pensions and Insurance schemes which may well have been steps in the right direction. However, they were only a 'taster', not the 'whole hog', and Bismarck was well of the mark from completely satisfying people and workers. The fact that the SDP remained and grew shows that. Thus another failure for Bismarck.

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.

at Depression' in Europe, the political basis upon which Bismarck had founded his power was undermined, and so Bismarck was forced to return to more protectionist policies. Added to the fact that in the Balkans there had been split alliances, the National Liberals and Bismarck were further split here. Not only did they oppose his rule of parliament, constitutional rule, but they were opposed to the policy of protectionis

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Approximate Word count = 2022
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)