Final answer:
William II asked Bismarck to resign in 1880 due to strained relations with France, differences in foreign policy goals, and tensions between Bismarck and the Kaiser.
Step-by-step explanation:
William II asked Bismarck to resign in 1880 because of several reasons. Firstly, Bismarck's offensive tactics during the Austrian war offended Napoleon III of France, which strained the relationship between Prussia and France. Additionally, Wilhelm II sought to pursue a more aggressive foreign policy and expand German power, which was not in line with Bismarck's more conservative approach. Lastly, there were tensions between Bismarck and Wilhelm II over matters of governance and policy, leading to the decision to ask Bismarck to step down.