Count Bernhard von Bülow becomes chancellor of Germany

Count Bernhard von Bülow, born Bernhard Heinrich Karl Martin von Bülow on May 3, 1849, and died on October 28, 1929, was a prominent German statesman and diplomat who played a significant role in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He served as Chancellor of the German Empire from 1900 to 1909 and is known for his contributions to German foreign policy during a critical period in European history.

Family and Early Life: Bülow came from a noble Prussian family. He was born in Klein-Flottbek, near Altona, which is now part of Hamburg, Germany. He was well-educated and came from a family with a strong tradition of service to the Prussian state.

Early Career: Bülow began his diplomatic career in 1873, serving in various positions within the Prussian Foreign Office. He gained experience as a diplomat in various European capitals, including Rome, Vienna, and St. Petersburg.

Rise to Power: In 1897, Bülow was appointed as the State Secretary for the German Foreign Office, serving under Chancellor Prince Chlodwig zu Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst. His diplomatic skills and understanding of international affairs contributed to his rapid rise within the German government.

Chancellorship: In 1900, Bülow succeeded Prince Hohenlohe as the Chancellor of the German Empire, a position he held until 1909. As Chancellor, he was responsible for overseeing the government and representing Germany on the international stage.

Bülow’s Diplomacy: Bülow was known for his realpolitik approach to foreign policy, which focused on pursuing Germany’s national interests through pragmatic and calculated diplomacy. He played a significant role in shaping Germany’s relationships with other European powers, particularly with the British Empire.

Naval Arms Race: During Bülow’s tenure as Chancellor, Germany engaged in a naval arms race with Great Britain. This competition, known as the Anglo-German naval arms race, contributed to tensions between the two nations and was a source of concern in international relations.

Moroccan Crises: Bülow’s foreign policy was also tested during the Moroccan Crises of 1905 and 1911, where Germany was involved in disputes over Morocco’s sovereignty and its relationship with France. These crises revealed the complexities of European power politics and rivalries.

Resignation: Bülow’s resignation in 1909 marked the end of his political career. His government faced growing challenges and internal dissent, and his role as Chancellor became increasingly untenable.

Count Bernhard von Bülow’s political career was marked by his efforts to assert Germany’s interests on the international stage, but it also faced criticism and challenges, both domestically and internationally. After his resignation, he retired from politics and wrote several books and memoirs. His legacy continues to be a subject of historical analysis and debate, particularly regarding his role in shaping Germany’s foreign policy during a pivotal period in European history.

Texas Instruments announces the first transistor radio.

The Danes defeat the English in the Battle of Assandun.

A suicide attack on a motorcade carrying former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto kills 139 and wounds 450 more. Bhutto herself was uninjured.

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Boston Shoemakers form first American trade labor organization.

Today in 18 October 1648, Boston shoemakers and “coopers” barrel-makers formed what are considered the first American trade unions.

The colonies had till then failed to import the English tradition of guilds, whereby craftsmen would band together to establish prices, quality standards, apprentice programs and charitable programs. The guilds in England also supported members who had retired or were beset by health or other challenges.

But these two 1648 quasi-guilds were limited to ensuring quality. The Massachusetts General Court prohibited “The Company of Shoomakers” from offering educational or charitable programs, or from fixing prices or settling disputes.

More than a century later, the independence shown by the Boston shoemakers surfaced, as one of them has been credited with starting the Boston Tea Party.

The Philadelphia carpenter’s union, formed some years after 1648, was more aggressive on behalf of its workers, and its printers and shoemakers were also aggressive at an early stage in the city’s history. According to the History of Trade Unionism in the United States by Perlman and Selig: “The earliest recorded genuine labor strike in America, in 1786, was over wages paid to Philadelphia printers, who ‘turned out’ to demand a minimum wage of $6 per week.” The second strike on record, in 1791, was also in Philadelphia, by house carpenters who struck for a ten-hour day.

In 1796 local shoemakers in Philadelphia organized the Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers shoemakers working with Cordovan leather. Three years later the organization staged a 10-week, successful strike for higher wages, the first strike in the newcounry sanctioned by a union.

The Danes overcome the Saxons in the Battle of Assandun.

Tommie Smith and John Carlos are suspended by the USA Olympic Committee for giving the “Black Power” salute at the victory ceremony at the Mexico City games.

During the First Balkan War, Peter I of Serbia issues a declaration “To the Serbian People”, as Serbia joins the war.