Germany Flashcards
Since when has Germany been unified as a single country?
Since 1871
Whose power largely shaped the German nation?
Prussia as it was the largest and most powerful state before 187.
Who ruled the German nation?
The Kaiser.
Who became the Kaiser in 1888?
Wilhelm II.
What was Wilhelm II’s plan?
To expand the German Empire
What threatened the Kaiser about the hopes he had abroad?
The rise of socialism
What makes the Kaiser superior?
-Had the power to appoint or dismiss the Chancellor.
-Could dissolve the Reichstag(parliament) if he wanted to.
-Was in charge of foreign policy.
-Was the head of the German military.
Who advised the Kaiser about political decisions?
Members of the armed forces.
Over which type of policy did the Kaiser have absolute power?
Foreign policy.
What were the powers of the Chancellor?
-Leading the Bundesrat(federal council) by proposing new subjects,issues and laws to be discussed.
-Appointing ministers to help him make policies.
-The ability to ignore the Reichstag(parliament).
Who did the Reichstag fund every five years?
The army
What were the officers?
-Right-wing(politically conservative).
-From an elite background.
-The fore-runner to the DNVP which would join Hitler in coalition in the 1930s
Who was the Chancellor?
The Kaiser’s chief minister.
What was the Bundesrat?
-The German federal council.
-Formed from 58 representatives of each German state.
-Prussian interests dominated it.
-Was consulted over government policies.
-The council proposed laws to the Reichstag(parliament).
-In return, the Bundesrat approved any law the Reichstag made.
What was the Reichstag?
The German parliament.
What was the Reichstag formed from?
-397 deputies.
-elected by German voters.
-Only men over the age if 25.
What were the powers of the Reichstag?
-Had the power to pass,alter or reject laws proposed by the Bundesrat or Chancellor.
-Could give or refuse funding for the military once every five years.
By what time did the Reichstag begin to grow?
1890s
What could Kaiser not do?
He could not stop the elections for parliament.
How did the Reichstag grow?
-Political parties had begun to form.
-The deputies in the Reichstag had their own political agenda(plan).
-Didn’t have huge power.
-But put pressure on the government and could shape public opinion.
What is the Landtag?
-Each state had its own mini-government or mini-Reichstag.
-Thus was called the Landtag.
Who was the only person who could sack the Chancellor?
Kaiser
What did individual state have the power to do since Germany was a federal state?
-Had the power to control income tax.
-Difficult for the central government to raise enough tax for their budget.
What were 2 potential weaknesses in German Constitution?
-The power of the Kaiser.
-Raising taxes.