Bismarck's Appointment as Prussia's Minister President in 1862
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Explain why Bismarck was appointed Minister President of Prussia in 1862.
ESSAY
Bismarck was appointed Minister President of Prussia in 1862 due to a combination of factors stemming from a constitutional crisis in Prussia. There were several reasons that contributed to his appointment:
Firstly, a constitutional crisis had arisen in Prussia over the army bill. The Prussian Parliament had been reluctant to extend military service from two to three years and had only agreed to increase the military budget for one year in 1860. The newly elected parliament in December 1861 also refused to pass the army bill, leading to a deadlock with the king. By September 1862, parliament still resisted passing the army bill, causing the king to consider resigning and fears of civil war to loom. Bismarck was brought in as a last resort to resolve the crisis and prevent further escalation.
Secondly, Bismarck was viewed as an arch-conservative and a staunch supporter of the monarchy. His reputation for being unconventional and unpredictable led some to see him as a potential solution to the impasse over the army bill. His loyalty to the king and his willingness to take decisive action in crisis situations made him an attractive candidate to navigate the political challenges at hand.
Furthermore, Bismarck had the endorsement of influential figures such as Minister for War, General von Roon. Von Roon had long believed in Bismarck's capabilities and had recommended him to the king as early as 1858. This support from key figures within the Prussian establishment played a crucial role in securing Bismarck's appointment as Minister President.
In addition, Bismarck's willingness to fully implement the army re-organisation despite parliament's opposition to the bill garnered him the support of the king. His resolve to carry out necessary reforms and his ability to navigate political complexities were seen as vital characteristics to tackle the pressing issues facing Prussia at the time.
Overall, Bismarck's appointment as Minister President of Prussia in 1862 was the result of a combination of factors, including the constitutional crisis over the army bill, his conservative credentials, support from influential figures, and his commitment to upholding the monarchy's interests in a time of political uncertainty and potential conflict.
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**Explain why Bismarck was appointed Minister President of Prussia in 1862.**
- A constitutional crisis existed in Prussian over the army bill. In 1860, the Prussian Parliament only agreed to increase the military budget for one year and would not extend military service from two to three years. A newly elected parliament in December 1861 would not pass the money bill for the army, and the king dissolved the parliament. In September 1862 parliament still refused to pass the army bill. The king feared civil war and considered resigning. Bismarck was brought in to solve the crisis.
- Bismarck was seen as an arch-conservative and loyal supporter of the monarchy. This, allied to a reputation for being unconventional and unpredictable, led him to be seen, by some, as the means to break out of the impasse over the army bill.
- He had been recommended by the influential Minister for War, General von Roon. As early as 1858, in von Roon’s first audience with the Regent, who became king William I of Prussia in 1861, he was advocating that Bismarck head the government.
- Bismarck received the support of the king because he stated that he was willing to implement the army re-organisation to the full, despite parliament’s vote against its passing. Accept any other valid responses.