Bismarck’s Train Leaves the Station (March 29, 1890)

There was a tumultuous scene at the Lehrter train station in Berlin on March 29, 1890, when – following his March 18th resignation – Bismarck finally left Berlin and headed for retirement at his estate in Friedrichsruh. According to one eyewitness report (which is substantiated by this contemporary photograph), the departure platform was overflowing with well-wishers and curious onlookers, including those who had clambered high up posts or hung from windows for a glimpse of the departing statesman. Some were cheering, others applauded; tears allegedly ran down the cheeks of the assembled troupe of Cuirassiers. Just before the train departed the station, the crowd struck up the chorus of The Watch on the Rhine.

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© Bildarchiv Preußischer Kulturbesitz