Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of the German Empire, introduced a series of social legislations during the 1880s that marked an important stage in the development of the modern welfare state. These measures were introduced in the context of rapid industrialisation, the growth of the working class, and the increasing influence of socialist ideas. Bismarck aimed to strengthen the German state, reduce social unrest, and weaken the appeal of the socialist movement among workers. The rapid industrial development of Germany created a large industrial working class facing difficult conditions. Workers often suffered from low wages, long working hours, industrial accidents, illness, unemployment and insecurity in old age. At the same time, the Social Democratic movement was gaining support among workers. Bismarck regarded socialism as a serious political threat to the monarchy and established order. His policy therefore combined repression of socialist organisations with social reforms designed to win workers' loyalty to the state. The first major measure was the Sickness Insurance Act of 1883. It provided financial assistance