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What if Bismarck had Germany abstain from colonial enterprise during his tenure (till 1889-1890)?

a) Are all the territories acquired in the 1880s, the great majority of what became Germany’s colonial land area and populations, taken by others (Britain, France, Spain, Dominions, Netherlands, U.S., Japan) by the time of Bismarck's OTL departure from power (189)?

b) Is Bismarck’s tenure any shorter than OTL as a consequence of neglecting a colonial agenda?

c) If Germany changes its mind and tries to embrace colonialism, before WWI, what are the consequences? Greater Pacific effort or China effort? Greater bellicosity over Philippines, Samoa, Boer War or Morocco?

1st acquisitions were 1884. His Ministership in OTL lasted until March 1890 –


So that could mean no acquisitions for 6 more years.


Would all the colonies acquired in those years been claimed by others (like Britain and its Dominions, France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Portugal) in six years time?


Possibly yes, as places were being grabbed everywhere.


Possibly no, because to some extent, Germany was a leader in this wave and its action may have encouraged others to hurry.


What do Wilhelm and subsequent Ministers do to try to make up lost time from 1890 onward?


And, resolute opposition to colonial acquisition sacrifices any domestic political or ideological gains he made from his OTL policy. Does his stubborness lead him to get fired sooner, or not?


If fired sooner, fired by Wilhelm I? If fired between 1884 and March 1888


Fired by Frederick III? If fired between March and June 1888


Or just fired in the first year and a half of Wilhelm II? Between June 1888 and March 1890.


Obviously, if he gets fired, colonial policy can then change.
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