Wilhelm II blocks renewal of the Anti-Socialist Laws

Background. The Anti-Socialist Laws, passed by the Reichstag on 19 October 1878 and vigorously backed by Bismarck, banned socialist, social democratic and communist associations and prohibited meetings and publications aimed at overthrowing the existing state and social order. The law was renewed four times, in 1880, 1884, 1886 and 1888. As renewal came due in 1890, Bismarck wanted to make the law permanent and harsher or to incorporate its measures into the Empire's criminal code. During the debate, Wilhelm II became increasingly interested in the social problems exploited in Socialist propaganda, especially the treatment of mine workers who went on strike in 1889; the final split between monarch and statesman occurred soon after Bismarck's attempt to implement far-reaching anti-Socialist laws in early 1890.

The Reichstag Vote. On 25 January 1890, the Reichstag voted on the fifth attempt to extend the Socialist Law. The motion failed by a vote of 169 against and 98 for. This defeat was significant because it contradicted Bismarck's desire for a permanent or harsher law. The failure highlighted the growing strength of the Social Democrats, who had received over 1.4 million votes in the 1890 election, demonstrating the law's ineffectiveness.

Consequences and Resignation. Bismarck's failure to pass a permanent anti-socialist law and the strengthening of social democracy in the 1890 Reichstag election played a decisive role in his dismissal by Emperor Wilhelm II. Bismarck resigned at Wilhelm II's insistence on 18 March 1890, at the age of 75. In March 1890 the young Kaiser dismissed the longtime Chancellor and assumed direct control over his nation's policies, embarking on a "New Course". At the opening of the Reichstag on 6 May 1890, the Kaiser stated that the most pressing issue was the further enlargement of the bill concerning the protection of the labourer. The Anti-Socialist Laws officially lapsed on 30 September 1890.