Bismarck Dies in 1871

CaliGuy

Banned
What if, right after he wins the Franco-Prussian War and concludes the peace there, Bismarck develops a mysterious fever and dies shortly afterwards?

Who would be his successor and how would Germany develop with Bismarck out of power two decades earlier than in our TL?
 

CaliGuy

Banned
Also, I presume that German Kaiser Wilhelm I will want to find a Chancellor who is very similar to Bismarck; however, who exactly would that be in 1871?
 
Also, I presume that German Kaiser Wilhelm I will want to find a Chancellor who is very similar to Bismarck; however, who exactly would that be in 1871?

A cursory glance shows that Bismarck had two deputies as Chancellor- Karl Heinrich von Boetticher and Otto Graf zu Stolberg-Wernigerode. I imagine either of these two guys could fill the role of Bismarck, though I don't know if they would be as willing to pursue policies like the Kulturkampf.
 

CaliGuy

Banned
Also, doesn't no Kulturkampf = a stronger and more united Germany with less social tensions and divisions?
 

CaliGuy

Banned
Also, would a different German Chancellor in the 1871-1890 period have still led Germany to ally with Austria? Or would an alliance with Russia and an eventual dumping of Austria have occurred with a different German Chancellor during this time period?
 
I have another thought. What effect would an early death of Bismarck have on a young Prince Wilhelm of Prussia? (Future Wilhelm II). In order to lessen any influence the Crown Prince Frederick might have with his father Wilhelm I, (Bismarcks real dislike was for the Crown Princess Victoria, daughter of Queen Victoria,) the Chancellor gained influence over the young prince. After the Franco-Prussian War, the young Prince, then 12 years old, was still fond of his mother, and idolized his father for his military feats. Without a Bismarck to turn the young prince against his mother and eventually his father, how might have "Willy's" psyche been different? How might his reign, after his fathers premature death been different?
 
Top