The New Course and Bismarck’s Successor

Leo von Caprivi succeeded Otto von Bismarck as Chancellor of the German Empire and Minister-President of Prussia, serving from 1890 to 1894. A former naval administrator and army officer, Caprivi pursued a political direction known as the "New Course." He allowed the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia to lapse, sought closer ties with Britain, lowered protective tariffs, and introduced progressive social legislation. However, his willingness to compromise alienated conservative agrarians and military factions, leading to intense political opposition and his eventual downfall in 1894.

Other languages