Germany - 1.1.3 Changes in society Flashcards
Under Kaiser Wilhelm II, Germany rapidly industrialised. This created wealth but only for a few. A growing number of industrial workers were becoming dissatisfied, leading to the growth of ___________. Industrialisation, therefore, brought great benefits to Germany but also created difficulties for the Kaiser
Socialism
During Industrialisation, what did Germany focus on?
Manufacturing, making goods & machinery, rather than agricultural production (farming)
When did Industralisation happen
It began before 1890 but between 1890 and 1913 the speed of industrial growth was astonishing
Which industries grew in Germany during Industrialisation?
- Chemical: coal
- Electrical: iron, steel
- Automobiles
Which region in Germany powered Germany’s success?
Ruhr region
When did Germany’s coal production rival Britain’s?
1914
What was the coal, iron and steel used for?
- Build and fuel railways,
- Trains
- Ships
This aided communications and trade
By 1914, Germany was also out-producing the rest of Europe in ‘newer’ industries such as ___________ goods and __________
Electrical, chemicals
When did Germany’s iron and steel production levels surpass British levels?
By World War One
What was Industrialisation accompanied by?
Rapid urbanisation as people moved to towns and cities for work. Living conditions were poor; outbreaks of diseases such as cholera were common
What were the impacts of industrialisation? (7)
- Growth of industrialisation led to the creation of better transport infrastructure including railways, trains and ships. This meant Germany could have communication lines and trade routes
- By 1914, Germany were world leaders in new industries such as electrical products, chemical products and automobiles
- Famous German automobile companies like Mercedes and Volkswagen grew to prominence
- High rates of immigration - provided more workers but fuelled social problems as hatred of foreigners grew
- Gaps between rich and poor grew
- Food was imported, expensive
- The German workers were becoming more unhappy with their low wages and poor working conditions leading to strikes to try to persuade the Kaiser to improve conditions
What were the demographic changes in Germany? (3)
- Berlin’s population doubled between 1875 and 1910
- Urbanisation mean that 60% of Germans were living in towns and cities by 1910
- Because of this, living conditions were often bad and many people died from diseases (cholera was common)
What is socialism?
The idea that the profits from industry should be shared equally between everyone in society - it was mainly workers who supported socialism
When did the SDP hold the most seats in the Reichstag?
1912
Describe the growth of socialism
Although some people became wealthier from industrialisation, most workers felt exploited. This led to the rise of socialism. In every election from 1890, the SDP won the most votes but it was not until 1912 that it held the most seats in the Reichstag
Why was socialism a problem for Kaiser Wilhelm II?
In 1912 the SDP held the most seats in the Reichstag - this was a problem for Kaiser Wilhelm II as they consistently voted against some of the Kaiser’s desired laws. He could dismiss the Reichstag, which he did on several occasions, but the same or new members of the SDP were voted back in again
Why did the government enact (make into law) social reform?
To get popular support and stop people supporting the SDP
What changes did the (1891-1903) social reform bring? (5)
- In 1891, the Social Law made it illegal: for children under 13 to work, women to work more than 11 hours a day, and for anyone to work on a Sunday
- In 1900, reforms were introduced that increased the time workers could claim off work if they had suffered an accident
- Throughout the period, old age pensions and welfare provisions for those too ill or injured to work (introduced in 1890) were improved
- In 1901, industrial courts were created to settle disputed between employers and employees. This was compulsory in towns where the population was more than 20,000
- In 1903, health insurance was expanded
Who put these social reforms forward and why?
Chancellor Caprivi - he believed that they would ease the pressure from socialism. However Kaiser Wilhelm II thought Caprivi was too socialist and dismissed him in 1894
Who primarily supported Socialism in Germany under the Kaiser?
Workers
Did the Kaiser and the German elite feel threatened by socialism before the First World War? (3)
- The central idea of socialism was that wealth should be shared between all members of society. This idea threatened the members of society who kept most of the profits from industry for themselves and exploited workers.
- The threat of socialism was very real. The SPD represented socialism in politics and by 1912 it was the party with the most seats in the Reichstag.
- The government clearly feared the power of the SPD and socialists because they put social reform into law. They thought that if they gave German workers a little bit of the change they wanted then they would remain loyal to the German state.
