Otto von Bismarck, a towering figure in the unification of Germany and its first Chancellor, was abruptly dismissed by Emperor Wilhelm II in March 1890. Their relationship had been increasingly strained due to differing ideologies; Wilhelm sought to assert the personal rule of the monarchy, while Bismarck championed a more cautious, diplomatic approach to governance. Under Bismarck's leadership, Germany had formed crucial alliances, including the Three Emperors' League and the Dual Alliance with Austria-Hungary, which secured its place in European politics. However, Wilhelm's aspirations for a more aggressive foreign policy and his desire to establish a new imperial direction clashed with Bismarck’s principles. Following a brief period of consultation and internal discussions, Wilhelm II dismissed Bismarck from his post when it became clear that the Chancellor would not support the Emperor's vision. This decisive action occurred at the imperial palace in Berlin, signaling a shift in German policy that would end Bismarck's era of realpolitik and usher in a more volatile political landscape in Europe.