Georg Leo von Caprivi , later Georg Leo Graf von Caprivi de Caprara de Montecuccoli , ( 24 February 1831 -- 6 February 1899 ) was a German major general and politician , who succeeded Otto von Bismarck as Chancellor of Germany . Georg Leo Graf von Caprivi de Caprera de Montecuccoli ( English : Count George Leo of Caprivi , Caprera , and Montecuccoli , born Georg Leo von Caprivi ; 24 February 1831 - 6 February 1899 ) was a German major general and statesman , who succeeded Otto von Bismarck as Chancellor of Germany .