In the autumn of the next year matters came near to war; it was in these circumstances that Bismarck brought about that alliance which ever since then has governed European politics.  He hastily arranged a meeting with Count Andrassy, the Austrian Minister, and in a few days the two statesmen agreed on a defensive alliance between the two Empires.  Many years later, in 1886, the instrument of alliance was published.  It was agreed that if either of the German States was attacked by Russia the other would join to defend it; if either was attacked by France the other would observe neutrality; but if the French were supported by Russia then the first clause would come into force.  The Emperor of Austria willingly gave his assent; it was only after a prolonged struggle that Bismarck was able to gain the assent of his own sovereign.  This alliance, which in the next year was joined by Italy, again gave Germany the ruling position in Europe.

During this crisis in foreign affairs Bismarck was occupied by another, which threatened to be equally serious, in home politics.  In the spring of 1878 an attempt was made on the life of the Emperor; a young man, named Hobel, a shoemaker’s apprentice, shot at him in the streets of Berlin, fortunately without result.  The attempt naturally created intense indignation throughout the country.  This was increased when it became known that he had been to some extent connected with the Socialist party, and it seemed as though the motives of the crime were supplied by the violent speeches made at Socialist gatherings.  Bismarck had long regarded the growth of Socialism with concern.  He determined to use this opportunity to crush it.  He at once brought into the Bundesrath a very severe law, forbidding all Socialist agitation and propaganda.  He succeeded in passing it through the Council, but it was thrown out in the Reichstag by a very large majority.  No one voted for it except the Conservatives.  The law indeed was so drawn up that one does not see how anyone could have voted for it; the first clause began, “Printed writings and unions which follow the aims of Social Democracy may be forbidden by the Federal Council,” but, as was pointed out, among the aims of Social Democracy were many which were good in themselves, and many others which, though they might be considered harmful by other parties, were at least legitimate.  Directly afterwards the Reichstag was prorogued.  Ten days later, another attempt was made on the Emperor’s life; this time a man of the name of Nobeling (an educated man who had studied at the University) shot at him while driving in the Unter den Linden, and wounded him severely in the head and arms with large shot.  The Emperor was driven home to his palace almost unconscious, and for some time his life was in danger.  This second attempt in so short a time on the life of a man almost eighty years of age, so universally loved and respected, who had conferred such benefits on his country, naturally aroused a storm of indignation.