Domestic Politics In Wilhelmine Germany? Flashcards
What social measures did Caprivi push through?
Sunday work was prohibited.
Employment of children under 13 was forbidden.
Women were not allowed to work for more than 11 hours day.
Industrial courts were set up to arbitrate disputes.
In what ways did Caprivi embark on a “new course”?
He wanted a more consultative approach to government.
He was able to depend a fair bit on the backing of the reichstag.
Caprivi and the German tariff reforms
In order to encourage exports, Caprivi negotiated a series of treaties with Austria - Hungary, Italy and Russia. These treaties led to a reduction in German tariffs.
Why were the tariff reforms important?
Therefore they not only acted as a vital spur to the growth of German economy, but also represented a political triumph for Caprivi. It gained broad support as most parties, except the conservatives, recognised the benefits of lower food prices.
Why did the conservatives oppose the new course?
Many of the Kaiser’s advisors at court began to disagree with Caprivi’s socialist policies. Some encouraged him to ditch Caprivi and assume a more ‘personal rule’.
Why did landowners oppose the new course?
Upset by the commercial treaties since they threatened to reduce their profits. 1893 the Agrarian league was set up to win support for landowners. It quickly grew into a well organised lobby of 1 million members that acted as a pressure group.
Why did the military oppose the new course?
Resentment in 1893 when Caprivi made concessions over the army bill in the reichstag by reducing the length of conscription for national service from three years to two. Army bill was rejected resulting in the reichstag being dissolved. There were concerns of anarchy across Europe and an increase in socialist seats.
Weltpolitik aims
Aimed for colonial gain, economic sphere of influence, and naval expansion.
Weltpolitik and the German navy
Navy league argued that naval expansion was a patriotic symbol of Germany’s new status in the world. It gained membership of over 1 million.
Political impacts of Weltpolitik
Successfully rallied both the upper and middle class and their political representatives in the reichstag.
Bulow and the problems of Weltpolitik - social reforms
Aimed to expand the social welfare provision in order to pacify the working class.
Bulow and the problems of Weltpolitik - tariffs
Conservatives and agrarian league demanded imposition of higher tariffs to protect agriculture.
In contrast social democrats called for lower tariffs to reduce price of bread and benefit the working class.
Tariff law of 1902
The law saw social democrat popular vote go up significantly and their number of seats rise from 56 to 81.
The conservatives saw their vote decline.
Bulow and the problems of Weltpolitik - Budget
Budget - Ran into debt due to mounting costs of maintaining the army and expanding the navy.
Substantial tax increase needed to maintain weltpolitik.
1905 - imposed indirect taxes and inheritance taxes. Social democrats voted down the indirect tax and conservatives weakened the inheritance taxes.
Bulow and the ‘Hottentot election’
Bulow’s government attacked for its policy in the colony of German South west Africa. Social democrats and shockingly the centre party voted against his government.
The governments campaign was called the ‘Hottentot’ election.