1871-1890
(GERMAN UNIFICATION) 18th January 1871 the Kaiserreich was born after victory in the Franco-Prus-
sian war. Prussian success meant all states were now unified.
(PRUSSIAN INFLUENCE) Prussian dominance was inevitable because; Prussian King (Wilhelm I) became
the German Emperor, Prussian Minister (Bismarck) became Imperial Chancellor, Prussia’s capital (Berlin)
became the Empire’s capital city and Prussia preoccupied 3/5ths of the land.
(DEMOCRACY) The empire was a federation - each member state wanted to retain a voice, so the federal
council (the Bundesrat) was established.
(PRUSSIAN INFLUENCE AND ROLE OF ARISTOCRACY) Prussia possessed 60% of Germany’s popula-
tion. The use of the three-class system meant the aristocracy enjoyed great influence. Lerman suggested
the upbringing of the unification was in order to support the upper classes.
(Kaiser) - Hereditary monarch, could dissolve or call the Reichstag and could appoint or dismiss the
chancellor.
(Reichstag) - Elected every 3 years by males over 25. Gave consent to all laws, could not amend a law.
(Bundesrat) - Could initiate legislation, could veto legislation and had to approve legislation.
Bismarck;
(ECONOMIC PROTECTIONISM) Bismark had mainly aligned himself with the National Liberals. In 1879
he ditched both free trade and the National Liberals. This was due to; a slowdown in industrial growth,
countries such as France already adopting protective tariffs, the potential of further influential political
support, the refusal of the National Liberals to implement anti-socialist laws and the Conservative Party
favoured protectionist policies. The Tariff Act 1879 was passed which placed duties on imports
(BISMARCK INFLUENCE) Bismarck had an immensely strong position due to his reputation of bringing
about German reunification and his influence over Emperor William I. He ensured other ministers were lit-
tle more than senior clerks and prevented secretaries of state from conferring with the Kaiser. Limitations
for his role included his poor health, long absences from Berlin and the fact that Germany was a federal
state.
(Kulturkampf) - Bismarck’s clash with the Catholic Church.
The Centre Party - German catholics formed their own party, the Centre Party, in north Germany in 1870
to defend their interests. It became the second largest party in the Reichstag and also objected to state
interference in the church’s traditional sphere of influence; the education system.
Bismarck, a devout Protestant, had little sympathy for the Catholics and viewed them with suspicion.
As a result of Prussian government condemning the Catholic Church’s actions, legislation was brought in
1872 which brought Catholic Church under the supervision of the state. With Bismarck’s blessing, Dr Adal-
bert Falk, Prussian Minister of Religion and Education introduced a series of measures against the Catholic
Church known as the May Laws.
Attempts to repress Catholicism were met with considerable opposition; only 30 out of 10,000 Prussian
Catholic priests submitted to the new legislation. Bismarck’s hope of destroying the Centre Party back-
fired; in 1871 the Centre won 56 seats whereas in 1874 they won 91.
Bismarck accepted defeat in 1878.
(BISMARCK AND SOCIALISM)
After two failed assassination attempts from socialists on the Kaiser and the failure of anti-socialist bills,
Bismarck decided to dissolve the Reichstag; in doing so the SPD vote fell around 180,000 and the National
Liberals around 130,000.
Bismarck now got his way and so passed an anti-socialist bill in October 1878; this banned socialist organ-
isations and imprisoned 1,500 socialists between 1878 and 1890.
The law however did not prevent socialists from standing for election or speaking freely in the Reichstag;
the SPD vote reached one million and they had 35 seats.
Bismarck did not only use repression to destroy the socialists as he hoped to win over the working class
by introducing various welfare measures; including the Sickness Insurance Act 1873 and Accident Insur-
ance Act 1873.
(BISMARCK FOREIGN POLICY)
France appeared the main threat due to their resentment for the defeat in 1871.
In 1879, Bismarck signed the dual alliance with Austria and in 1882 Italy joined to make it the triple al-
liance. In 1887, Bismarck also signed the Reassurance Treaty with Russia.
, 1890-1914
(BISMARCK FALL FROM POWER) In 1888 Kaiser Wilhelm I died and after only three months as his suc-
cessor his son Kaiser Frederick dies. Wilhem II appointed. He wanted to ‘rule as well as reign’ and had no
intention of allowing Bismarck the same power he enjoyed previously.
In January 1890, Bismarck’s anti-socialist law was rejected. In February 1890, Wilhelm issued a proclama-
tion promising new legislation without Bismarck’s signature. Also in February, Bismarck lost 85 seats. He
was sent an ultimatum by Wilhelm; be dismissed or resign, to which he resigned 3 days later.
(ROLE OF WILHELM II) He wanted to pursue a new policy of Weltpolitik. His inexperience as a result of
his age meant he wanted to exert his authority. Bismarck had negotiated a new political alliance without
Wilhem’s awareness; contributed to his inevitable dismissal.
Lacked diplomatic skills; this resulted in issues such as the ‘Telegraph scandal’. The peace between Rus-
sia and Germany grew increasingly fragile.
Granted extensive power, the chancellor’s survival was dependent on the Kaiser.
(SOCIAL TRENDS) The aristocracy still enjoyed a great level of influence in politics and the court of the
Kaiser. Their role was definitely not as strong as previously, but they still had influence and power.
Population rose to 68 million from 1871 to 1914, Germans were living longer, social mobility was possible
as a result of mass industrialisation.
Harsh industrial conditions for workers, rise of SPD and trade unions. Change - State began to introduce
basic welfare (e.g. health insurance and pensions). Continuity - Employers retained dominance, strikes
suppressed.
German society was so diverse because; avante garde (developments in art), north/south divide, growing
nationalism and militarism, greater chance of social mobility, different classes, Lander (local govern-
ments).
(CAPRIVI POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS) Introduced a ‘new course’ which was approved by the Kaiser to
put an end to anti-socialist laws. Caprivi put before the Reichstag a bill to reform the 1879 Tariff Act.
Caprivi also negotiated a series of commercial treaties with Austria, Italy, Russia and a number of smaller
states. Germany agreed to reduce tariffs on agricultural imports in return for favourable rates for German
manufactured goods. Recognition of trade unions, reduction in working hours and progressive income tax.
Despite his new course, the Kaiser wanted to change the constitution at the expense of the Reichstag in
order to crush socialism. This bill was passed in 1893 after Caprivi was forced to dissolve the Reichstag in
order to gain greater support for it. Despite Caprivi being able to talk Wilhelm out of his constitution re-
form, he had lost the confidence of the Kaiser and resigned in October 1894.
Causes of opposition to Caprivi’s new course; Caprivi refused introduction of anti-socialist bills, Kaiser re-
fused Caprivi bill which would give Catholic and Protestant church more power and inability to control Re-
ichstag.
(POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS FOR THE REICHSTAG) Wilhelm II’s determination to rule as well as reign
meant he wanted to take care of foreign affairs himself, which in turn left the Reichstag with very little in-
fluence.
(HOHENLOHE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS 1894-1900) Reichstag rejected any attempts to pass anti-
socialist law. Dramatic industrialisation created a need to conquer new markets to obtain greater raw ma-
terials. This was supported by key parties such as Pan German League and Navy League which linked the
need for economic growth to foreign expansion. Pressure put on the Reichstag to approve budget in-
crease which resulted in two bills; 1898 Naval Bill (16 new ships built) and a second bill in 1900 proposing
the continuation of battleship developments.
Kaiser expected the chancellor to be little more than a figurehead, many of his bill were rejected, he was
increasingly ignored and so resigned.
(BULOW POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS 1900-1909) Bulow restored tariffs to the pre 1892 level. Main-
taining the army, empire and expanding the Navy resulted in a large budget deficit. He introduced a se-
ries of social reforms including accident and health insurance and new rules for arbitration of industrial
disputes. National debt doubled between 1900 and 1908. Bulow’s financial bill of 1909 was defeated by a
combination of Conservatives, Zentrum, Liberals and Socialists; the Eulenburg affair and the Daily Tele-
graph affair also secured Bulow’s resignation.
(BETHMANN-HOLLWEG POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS 1909-1917) Bethman-Hollweg faced the impos-
sible task of reconciling a huge budget deficit with demands for increased expenditure. July 1913, a huge
increase in army size was agreed due to the funding by a special defence tax. Successfully prevented the
expansion of a major conflict between Austria-Hungary and Russia. Zabern Affair demonstrated the
Kaiser’s authority.
(POLITICAL SITUATION IN 1914) Germany was still in many respects an authoritarian monarchy; the
Kaiser had the power to dismiss the Chancellor and he did so consistently. However, his power was in a
(GERMAN UNIFICATION) 18th January 1871 the Kaiserreich was born after victory in the Franco-Prus-
sian war. Prussian success meant all states were now unified.
(PRUSSIAN INFLUENCE) Prussian dominance was inevitable because; Prussian King (Wilhelm I) became
the German Emperor, Prussian Minister (Bismarck) became Imperial Chancellor, Prussia’s capital (Berlin)
became the Empire’s capital city and Prussia preoccupied 3/5ths of the land.
(DEMOCRACY) The empire was a federation - each member state wanted to retain a voice, so the federal
council (the Bundesrat) was established.
(PRUSSIAN INFLUENCE AND ROLE OF ARISTOCRACY) Prussia possessed 60% of Germany’s popula-
tion. The use of the three-class system meant the aristocracy enjoyed great influence. Lerman suggested
the upbringing of the unification was in order to support the upper classes.
(Kaiser) - Hereditary monarch, could dissolve or call the Reichstag and could appoint or dismiss the
chancellor.
(Reichstag) - Elected every 3 years by males over 25. Gave consent to all laws, could not amend a law.
(Bundesrat) - Could initiate legislation, could veto legislation and had to approve legislation.
Bismarck;
(ECONOMIC PROTECTIONISM) Bismark had mainly aligned himself with the National Liberals. In 1879
he ditched both free trade and the National Liberals. This was due to; a slowdown in industrial growth,
countries such as France already adopting protective tariffs, the potential of further influential political
support, the refusal of the National Liberals to implement anti-socialist laws and the Conservative Party
favoured protectionist policies. The Tariff Act 1879 was passed which placed duties on imports
(BISMARCK INFLUENCE) Bismarck had an immensely strong position due to his reputation of bringing
about German reunification and his influence over Emperor William I. He ensured other ministers were lit-
tle more than senior clerks and prevented secretaries of state from conferring with the Kaiser. Limitations
for his role included his poor health, long absences from Berlin and the fact that Germany was a federal
state.
(Kulturkampf) - Bismarck’s clash with the Catholic Church.
The Centre Party - German catholics formed their own party, the Centre Party, in north Germany in 1870
to defend their interests. It became the second largest party in the Reichstag and also objected to state
interference in the church’s traditional sphere of influence; the education system.
Bismarck, a devout Protestant, had little sympathy for the Catholics and viewed them with suspicion.
As a result of Prussian government condemning the Catholic Church’s actions, legislation was brought in
1872 which brought Catholic Church under the supervision of the state. With Bismarck’s blessing, Dr Adal-
bert Falk, Prussian Minister of Religion and Education introduced a series of measures against the Catholic
Church known as the May Laws.
Attempts to repress Catholicism were met with considerable opposition; only 30 out of 10,000 Prussian
Catholic priests submitted to the new legislation. Bismarck’s hope of destroying the Centre Party back-
fired; in 1871 the Centre won 56 seats whereas in 1874 they won 91.
Bismarck accepted defeat in 1878.
(BISMARCK AND SOCIALISM)
After two failed assassination attempts from socialists on the Kaiser and the failure of anti-socialist bills,
Bismarck decided to dissolve the Reichstag; in doing so the SPD vote fell around 180,000 and the National
Liberals around 130,000.
Bismarck now got his way and so passed an anti-socialist bill in October 1878; this banned socialist organ-
isations and imprisoned 1,500 socialists between 1878 and 1890.
The law however did not prevent socialists from standing for election or speaking freely in the Reichstag;
the SPD vote reached one million and they had 35 seats.
Bismarck did not only use repression to destroy the socialists as he hoped to win over the working class
by introducing various welfare measures; including the Sickness Insurance Act 1873 and Accident Insur-
ance Act 1873.
(BISMARCK FOREIGN POLICY)
France appeared the main threat due to their resentment for the defeat in 1871.
In 1879, Bismarck signed the dual alliance with Austria and in 1882 Italy joined to make it the triple al-
liance. In 1887, Bismarck also signed the Reassurance Treaty with Russia.
, 1890-1914
(BISMARCK FALL FROM POWER) In 1888 Kaiser Wilhelm I died and after only three months as his suc-
cessor his son Kaiser Frederick dies. Wilhem II appointed. He wanted to ‘rule as well as reign’ and had no
intention of allowing Bismarck the same power he enjoyed previously.
In January 1890, Bismarck’s anti-socialist law was rejected. In February 1890, Wilhelm issued a proclama-
tion promising new legislation without Bismarck’s signature. Also in February, Bismarck lost 85 seats. He
was sent an ultimatum by Wilhelm; be dismissed or resign, to which he resigned 3 days later.
(ROLE OF WILHELM II) He wanted to pursue a new policy of Weltpolitik. His inexperience as a result of
his age meant he wanted to exert his authority. Bismarck had negotiated a new political alliance without
Wilhem’s awareness; contributed to his inevitable dismissal.
Lacked diplomatic skills; this resulted in issues such as the ‘Telegraph scandal’. The peace between Rus-
sia and Germany grew increasingly fragile.
Granted extensive power, the chancellor’s survival was dependent on the Kaiser.
(SOCIAL TRENDS) The aristocracy still enjoyed a great level of influence in politics and the court of the
Kaiser. Their role was definitely not as strong as previously, but they still had influence and power.
Population rose to 68 million from 1871 to 1914, Germans were living longer, social mobility was possible
as a result of mass industrialisation.
Harsh industrial conditions for workers, rise of SPD and trade unions. Change - State began to introduce
basic welfare (e.g. health insurance and pensions). Continuity - Employers retained dominance, strikes
suppressed.
German society was so diverse because; avante garde (developments in art), north/south divide, growing
nationalism and militarism, greater chance of social mobility, different classes, Lander (local govern-
ments).
(CAPRIVI POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS) Introduced a ‘new course’ which was approved by the Kaiser to
put an end to anti-socialist laws. Caprivi put before the Reichstag a bill to reform the 1879 Tariff Act.
Caprivi also negotiated a series of commercial treaties with Austria, Italy, Russia and a number of smaller
states. Germany agreed to reduce tariffs on agricultural imports in return for favourable rates for German
manufactured goods. Recognition of trade unions, reduction in working hours and progressive income tax.
Despite his new course, the Kaiser wanted to change the constitution at the expense of the Reichstag in
order to crush socialism. This bill was passed in 1893 after Caprivi was forced to dissolve the Reichstag in
order to gain greater support for it. Despite Caprivi being able to talk Wilhelm out of his constitution re-
form, he had lost the confidence of the Kaiser and resigned in October 1894.
Causes of opposition to Caprivi’s new course; Caprivi refused introduction of anti-socialist bills, Kaiser re-
fused Caprivi bill which would give Catholic and Protestant church more power and inability to control Re-
ichstag.
(POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS FOR THE REICHSTAG) Wilhelm II’s determination to rule as well as reign
meant he wanted to take care of foreign affairs himself, which in turn left the Reichstag with very little in-
fluence.
(HOHENLOHE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS 1894-1900) Reichstag rejected any attempts to pass anti-
socialist law. Dramatic industrialisation created a need to conquer new markets to obtain greater raw ma-
terials. This was supported by key parties such as Pan German League and Navy League which linked the
need for economic growth to foreign expansion. Pressure put on the Reichstag to approve budget in-
crease which resulted in two bills; 1898 Naval Bill (16 new ships built) and a second bill in 1900 proposing
the continuation of battleship developments.
Kaiser expected the chancellor to be little more than a figurehead, many of his bill were rejected, he was
increasingly ignored and so resigned.
(BULOW POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS 1900-1909) Bulow restored tariffs to the pre 1892 level. Main-
taining the army, empire and expanding the Navy resulted in a large budget deficit. He introduced a se-
ries of social reforms including accident and health insurance and new rules for arbitration of industrial
disputes. National debt doubled between 1900 and 1908. Bulow’s financial bill of 1909 was defeated by a
combination of Conservatives, Zentrum, Liberals and Socialists; the Eulenburg affair and the Daily Tele-
graph affair also secured Bulow’s resignation.
(BETHMANN-HOLLWEG POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS 1909-1917) Bethman-Hollweg faced the impos-
sible task of reconciling a huge budget deficit with demands for increased expenditure. July 1913, a huge
increase in army size was agreed due to the funding by a special defence tax. Successfully prevented the
expansion of a major conflict between Austria-Hungary and Russia. Zabern Affair demonstrated the
Kaiser’s authority.
(POLITICAL SITUATION IN 1914) Germany was still in many respects an authoritarian monarchy; the
Kaiser had the power to dismiss the Chancellor and he did so consistently. However, his power was in a
