Why did Wilhelm II get rid of Bismarck? (Short Animated Documentary)

Otto von Bismarck is famous for being the architect of German Unification and one of the 19th century's greatest political minds. Despite his achievements, when Emperor Wilhelm II took the throne, he soon fired Bismarck. So why did Wilhelm do this to one of Germany's greatest politicians? To find out watch this short and simple animated history documentary.

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[nolancer]

It's also important to note that Wilhelm actually wanted to give Bismarck the position of Foreign Minister, since he did recognize his success in foreign policy, but he did want to keep him out of domestic affairs (as explained in the video why), but for Bismarck it was either chancellor or bust.

[dragonsword]

This channel has conditioned me to think that it must surely be Napoleon's fault that Bismarck lost his job

[ragingsage]

"Threatened to resign" is a bit of an understandment. Bismarck even attempted to jump from a window one time when could not convince Wilhelm I of his views

[TheLoraxshadenough]

Wilhelm II: "you're going to do these things I've asked you to do."
Bismarck: "you can go find a new chancellor to do it instead."
Wilhelm: "ok, there's the door."
Bismarck: "wait, hold on. This isn't how it's normally goes."

[BeWe]

Bismarck is a perfect example of foreign-policy-bias in the long term reception of historic figures. He was one of the greatest geniuses in foreign policy of all time, which defines his image today but in domestic politics he was mediocre at best, which was seen as the more pressing issue at the time. So, despite his very good reputation in retrospect, there was little grief when he resigned

[ElysiumCreator]

“Ok, nice knowing you” is possibly one of the funniest lines in the history of this channel

[matthew]

Frederick III's wife, princess Victoria was Queen Victoria's daughter.
Which, in case you're wondering, is what made Wilhelm II of Germany and George V of the UK - cousins.

[BORLMBK]

I like how Bismarck’s strategy for disagreements was “do what I want or deal with the problem yourself” and it worked for almost 30 years and when it stopped working the person who ended it completely failed to deal with it himself

[othoAD]

The fact Bismarck basically just threw a tantrum every time he didn't get what he wanted is honestly way more entertaining to me than it should be

[masterplokoon]

Bismarck:" Hey, if you don't let me have my way, I will resign"
Wilhelm II:" Who cares man?"
Bismarck:" Oh no, apathy! My weakness!"

[ThMnWthNNm]

For all his successful achievements, Bismarck’s greatest mistake was assuming he would never serve an Emperor who could confidently say no to him, and who would actually call his bluff when he threatened to resign by accepting it.

[operationmeh]

Bismarck: I'll resign, just watch me!
Willy: ok
Bismarck: wait no hang on

[aldotorres]

So basically, Bismarck's threat to resign was the equivalent of calling Wilhelm's hand while only having a pair of 2's himself.

[minamagdy]

I remember, as part of a history class exercise in diplomacy, being part of the team that represented the German Empire. Around halfway through, it became apparent that a significant amount of mail was insults between us and France. (Also, Italy betrayed us, while we were trying to turn the UK against Russia, who was trying to turn us against them. Also, everyone allied Belgium, to which they had little choice)

[Tabris]

One correction, the German Empire was not an absolute monarchy, having a constitution which by the way allowed for universal male suffrage on the federal level

[FourOf]

Bismarck: "I'll resign"
Wilhelm I: you can't quit, fine"

Bismarck: "I'll resign"
Wilhelm II: "you can't quit, you're fired"

[supragyapandey]

Bismarck: *Resigns*
Wilhelm II: *Accepts resignation*
Bismarck: *Shocked Pikachu face*

[colindaniels]

Also to point out:

Wilhelm the 2nd actually had a great deal of respect for Bismarck and was willing to compromise with him.

The compromise being that Bismarck would be in charge of/have a free hand in foreign affairs/policy while domestic policy would be under the Kaiser.

Bismarck refused, so he quit.

[gezzarandom]

It would’ve been funnier if the resignation scenario played out like this:
Bismarck: I quit!
Wilhelm II: Wait you can’t quit!
Bismarck: Ha I knew you’d come around!
Wilhelm II: No you don’t get it, you can’t quit because you’re fired!

[MidKnightblue]

Very impressive how this guy can condense history down to the most basic point to give people who don't have the time or focus to at least get the main point on these issues, very cool.