At first, however, their influence was small, for a monarchical party must depend for its success on the adhesion of the King, and the King had not yet resolved to separate himself from his Liberal advisers.  Bismarck was often at Court and seems to have had much influence; both to his other companions and to the King himself he preached always courage and resolution; he spoke often to the King with great openness; he was supported by Leopold von Gerlach, with whom at this time he contracted a close intimacy.  For long their advice was in vain, but in the autumn events occurred which shewed that some decision must be taken:  the mob of Berlin stormed the Zeughaus where the arms were kept; the Constitution of the Assembly was being drawn up so as to leave the King scarcely any influence in the State; a resolution was passed calling on the Ministers to request all officers to leave the army who disliked the new order of things.  The crisis was brought about by events in Vienna; in October the Austrian army under Jellachich and Windischgraetz stormed the city, proclaimed martial law, and forcibly overthrew the Revolutionary Government; the King of Prussia now summoned resolution to adopt a similar course.  It is said that Bismarck suggested to him the names of the Ministers to whom the task should be entrusted.  The most important were Count Brandenburg, an uncle of the King’s, and Otto v.  Manteuffel, a member of the Prussian aristocracy, who with Bismarck had distinguished himself in the Estates General.  He seems to have been constantly going about among the more influential men, encouraging them as he encouraged the King, and helping behind the scenes to prepare for the momentous step.  Gerlach had suggested Bismarck’s name as one of the Ministers, but the King rejected it, writing on the side of the paper the characteristic words, “Red reactionary; smells of blood; will be useful later.”  Bismarck’s language was of such a nature as to alarm even many of those who associated with him.  Count Beust, the Saxon Minister, was at this time in Berlin and met Bismarck for the first time; they were discussing the conduct of the Austrian Government in shooting Robert Blum, a leading demagogue who had been in Vienna during the siege.  Beust condemned it as a political blunder.  “No, you are wrong,” said Bismarck; “when I have my enemy in my power I must destroy him.”

The event fully justified Bismarck’s forecast that nothing was required but courage and resolution.  After Brandenburg had been appointed Minister, the Prussian troops under Wrangel again entered Berlin, a state of siege was proclaimed, the Assembly was ordered to adjourn to Brandenburg; they refused and were at once ejected from their meeting-place, and as a quorum was not found at Brandenburg, were dissolved.  The Crown then of its own authority published a new Constitution and summoned a new Assembly to discuss and ratify it.  Based on the discipline of the army the King had regained his authority without the loss of a single life.