Military officer of Prussia and politician of the German Empire. He served as Chief of the Imperial Admiralty from 1883 to 1888, and in 1890 succeeded Otto von Bismarck as Chancellor of the German Empire and Prime Minister of Prussia. He served as Chancellor from 1890 to 1894. Promoting the "New Course" (Neuer Kurs) as a shift from Bismarck-era policies, he chose not to renew the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia and sought improved relations with Great Britain. He also pursued commercial policies easing protective tariffs, social policy reforms, and domestic political compromises. On the other hand, he faced strong opposition from conservatives, agricultural interest groups, and nationalists, falling from power in 1894 due to political conflicts over education and military bills. After 1894, he retired from public office and spent his remaining years in seclusion.

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