Bill of Indemnity
Quick Summary
The Bill of Indemnity in 1866 was a crucial act passed by the Prussian parliament. It retroactively legalized the unconstitutional collection of taxes by Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck's government since 1862, during a period of conflict with King William I over parliamentary sovereignty.12
This act was a significant compromise, as Prussian liberals, despite their reduced majority, agreed to subordinate their demand for parliamentary control in exchange for the prospect of German unity. This decision shifted the political landscape, leading to a compromise between the middle classes and the ruling Junker class, and paved the way for the establishment of the North German Confederation after Prussia's victory in the Seven Weeks' War against Austria.31
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GermanyBismarck’s national policies: the restriction of liberalism…1866, the legislature approved the Bill of Indemnity, 230 to 75. By dividing the forces of reform and weakening their sense of purpose, Bismarck won as important a success in domestic affairs as the victory on the field of battle.
Read More…1866, the legislature approved the Bill of Indemnity, 230 to 75. By dividing the forces of reform and weakening their sense of purpose, Bismarck won as important a success in domestic affairs as the victory on the field of battle.
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German EmpireBismarck and the rise of Prussia…gesture by asking for an act of indemnity for the unconstitutional collection of taxes since the beginning of the parliamentary struggle with Prussian King William I in 1862. This act was passed on September 3, 1866, by a vote of 230 to 75.
Read More…gesture by asking for an act of indemnity for the unconstitutional collection of taxes since the beginning of the parliamentary struggle with Prussian King William I in 1862. This act was passed on September 3, 1866, by a vote of 230 to 75.
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