The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Becker, Oskar

BECKER, Oskar, political fanatic: b. Odessa, Russia, 1839; d. Alexandria, Egypt, 1868. In 1861 he attempted, at Baden-Baden, to kill King Wilhelm I of Prussia, by shooting at him with a pistol at a distance of but three paces. The King fortunately escaped with only a slight wound in the neck. Becker's motive for the act was his belief that the King was unable to unite Germany. Though sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment he was pardoned by the King on condition of living out of Germany ever after.