The Hanseatic reunion

In 1878, German Emperor William I (Kaiser Wilhelm I) is assassinated by anarchist Karl Nobiling. The 82 year old, bled profusely from his wounds until succumbing to them on 2 September. Here he was succeeded by his liberal son Frederick III. Frederick, immedaitely approved a new constitution which granted him (as Emperor) limited power, while the chancellorship was to replaced with a British style cabinet responsible to the Reichstag.

Bismarck was granted the post of Lord of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and was tasked with finding Germany suitable alliance partners. To do this he cultivated