William I felt the necessity of the reorganization of Prussian army. The organization of the army was entirely based upon a law of 1814. He wanted to increase the number of the soldiers and improve the quality of army by providing them facility of training.
Military service was made compulsory for every person of Prussia for a minimum period of three years. It was also decided that the number of the soldiers in the army of Prussia would be 4, 50,000.
Sufficient funds were required to meet the expenses of the army and for making it well equipped. But the Chamber of Deputies bitterly opposed the military plan of the king. The liberals were in the majority in the Chamber of Deputies.
They wanted that the unification of Germany should be achieved through democratic and constitutional means, and not by blood and iron. On the other hand, William I had no faith in the constitutional measures.
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Thus, a bitter and prolonged controversy arose between the king and the Chamber of Deputies. When the bill was presented before the Chamber of Deputies, it was rejected. The king dissolved the Chamber and new elections were held. Unfortunately, the liberals again achieved the majority.
They again opposed the Army Reform Bill of the king. In this way, a deadlock followed between the Crown and the Chamber of Deputies. Now William I had three alternatives:
(i) He should give up the idea of the reform of the army.
(ii) He should dissolve the Parliament.
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(iii) He should resign from his post.
Finally, he decided to abdicate the throne. It is said that he had written his resignation and signed it, but at the very moment, he remembered a man, who could help the king in the times of trouble.
It was Bismarck. Bismarck was known for his independent thinking, high devotion to the monarchy, and for his boldness. At that time, he was working as the ambassador of Prussia in France.
William I immediately called him and appointed him the Chancellor of Prussia on September 23, 1862. He assured the king of carrying out the policies of his master against the consent of the Chamber of Deputies. He declared:
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“I will rather perish with the king, than forsake your Majesty in the contest with parliamentary government.”