Through a consistent peace and alliance policy, he tried to give the Reich a secure position in the new European balance of power. In contrast to this far-sighted foreign policy was his home policy. He had no feeling for the democratic tendencies of his time. To him, political opposition was “hostility to the Reich”. Bitterly, but ultimately vainly, he fought the left wing of the liberal middle class, political Catholicism and especially the organized labor movement, which for twelve years (1878-1890) was practically banned by a “Socialists Act” (Sozialistengesetz). Hence the vastly growing working class, despite progressive social legislation, was alienated from the state. Bismarck ultimately became a victim of his own system when he was dismissed in 1890 by the young Emperor William II.

William II wanted to rule himself, but he lacked the knowledge and staying power. More by speeches than by actions, he created the impression of a peace-threatening dictator. Under him there took place a transition to “Weltpolitik” (world policy), with Germany trying to shorten the lead of the great imperialist powers and thereby becoming more isolated. In his home policies, William soon took a reactionary course after his attempt to win the working class over to a “social emperorship” failed to bring the quick success he had hoped for. His chancellors had to rely on changing coalitions of Conservatives and National Liberals. The Social Democrats, although one of the strongest parties, obtaining millions of votes, continued to be excluded from participation in government.