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Otto von Bismarck
The Art of the Possible
Decision 1 of 3 · ≈5 minutes
Imagine you are Otto von Bismarck. You know only what he knew in September 1862.
Berlin | September 1862
Bismarck has just been appointed Minister-President of Prussia by King Wilhelm I, who is on the verge of abdicating because the Prussian parliament is blocking his military reform budget. The liberals who control parliament believe they have won. They expect Bismarck to either capitulate or fail. He has been in the role for two weeks. His reputation is that of a reactionary provocateur. He faces a constitutional crisis: parliament controls the budget, but the king insists on military expansion. Bismarck must decide what kind of politician he will be.
THE DECISION
Work within parliament and negotiate a compromise on the military budget, or govern without parliamentary approval and collect taxes the parliament has not authorized.
Negotiate a compromise
Work within parliament and accept limits on the military budget.
Govern without parliament
Collect unauthorised taxes and rule through the constitutional gap.
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