Bismarck Challenge of Socialism Flashcards
Who are the Reichsfeinde?
‘Enemies of the Empire’
Those in political opposition to Bismarck
Why did Bismarck isolate the Reichsfeinde?
Had a policy to hold one group as the enemy, and unite all other groups against them and support the state (in favour of Bismarck)
- in this case, Anti Socialist Law (1878)
Why was Bismarck worried about socialism?
- Paris Commune (1871) increased fear of radical socialism through Europe
- Marx and Engels (German) wrote ‘Communist Manifesto’ in 1848
- Long history of socialism in Germany, with worker parties in more industrialised states
- SPD were winning seats in the Reichstag in the 1870’s
- Union of SDAP and ADAV in 1875 to form a political party (later became SPD)
- SDAP set up in 1869: wanted to abolish class rule, 9000 members by 1875
- General German Workers Association had 15,000 members by mid 1870’s-> committed to redistribution of wealth + abolition of private property
When was the SPD created?
1875
What were some of the aims of the SPD in 1875 at its creation?
- Universal, equal and direct suffrage, with secret, obligatory voting by all citizens at all elections.
- Legislation by the people.
- Universal, equal and compulsory state education.
- A progressive income tax to replace direct taxation.
- The right to form trade unions.
- A reduction in the working day.
- The abolition of child labour.
- Protective laws for the life and health of workers.
What was the SPD’s main goal?
Committed to overthrowing the monarchy + nationalisation of industries with workers enjoying a share of the profits
How did Bismarck pass the Anti Socialist law, proving Socialists to be Reichsfeinde?
May 1878: a plumber + ex SPD member attempted to assassinate the Kaiser, attempt to pass the legislation failed
June 1878: an unemployed academic who was said to express sympathy for the socialists attempted to assassinate the Kaiser (was not a member of the SPD)
- 2nd attempt gave Bismarck enough evidence to pass the legislation
What were the Carrot and the Stick for Bismarck to encourage people away from the SPD?
Stick- ‘Anti-socialist Laws’
Carrot- ‘State socialism’
Bismarck wants to move the working classes away from socialism
How successful were the anti socialist laws?
- Initial decline in SPD support, but then increased. 9 seats in 1878, 35 in 1890.
= Many prominent socialists expelled from major cities. Made it hard for the SPD to find candidates. - Many socialists emigrated, especially to the USA
- Trade Unions initially crushed, but revived within a few years.
- Secret socialist conferences were held abroad.
- SPD encouraged loyalty through education, libraries, sports clubs etc.
- Split moderate socialist deputies with broader appeal from the more militant radical activists.
- Laws were originally only to be in operation for two years but were renewed. Act lapsed in 1890 when Wilhelm II believed more social insurance was the way to win over the workers.
How successful was state socialism?
- David Lloyd George sent civil servants to Germany to study the German model.
- Some workers liked it, others thought it a sham due to opposition to Trade Unions and socialism.
- Some Liberals opposed the scheme as it extended the role of the state and threatened individual freedom.
- SPD support continued to grow regardless.
- Employers disliked the trouble and expense of having to stamp the insurance book for each worker.
Why would Socialist change be slow?
BUT Socialists on the left are divided (weak)
- Some want immediate change
- Some want to do it without violence and revolution, but compromise and discussion
What were threats to Bismarck over his time?
Threats to Bismarck over his time:
- Socialism, the workers (appeals to a larger group, higher percentage of the country)
- The national minorities
- Catholics (doesn’t appeal to everyone, 40% of the country)
- Kulturkampf
Increase in SPD over time-> bad for Bismarck
Why was the SPD growing?
- National liberals are reducing
- Germany is industrialising (urbanisation, industrialisation)- more workers in cities + urban areas-> suffer same working + living conditions, feel force for socialist thinking
- People are becoming more educated, read more, become more understanding of voting for their
What were examples of Bismarck enforcing State Socialism (the carrot)?
1889: Old age and disability insurance, provided pension for workers who reached the age of 70
- Covered all types of worker from the start
- Federal government contributed to the cost
June 1884: Accident insurance
- Entirely funded by employers
- Benefits and funeral grants to people injured at work
May 1883: Medical insurance introduced
- Employers (1/3) and Employees (2/3) pay for insurance
- Paid healthcare bills for workers when ill
- 3 million workers covered
Bismarck’s ‘State Socialism’ was the first of its kind in the world
- Provided workers with welfare with state run insurance schemes
1886: Extension of accident insurance to cover 7 million agriculture workers
What were examples of Bismarck enforcing the Anti-Socialist laws (the stick)?
Organisations that planned to overthrow the government through social-democratic activities were forbidden
Police powers were increased
- Could conduct searches, arrest people on suspicion of socialist activities, break up meetings
Trade unions and cultural associations with links to Socialism were banned
Fines or imprisonment could be used to punish people with involvement with the SPD
Over 15,000 people were sentenced to imprisonment or hard labour under the anti-socialist laws
All SPD meetings were to be dissolved + socialist publications were forbidden
