Germany 1890-1918 Flashcards
1
Q
influence of Prussian militarism
A
- influenced Kaiser Wilhelm to strengthen military to increase Germany’s influence and prestige
- Prussia was the biggest state before unification
2
Q
economic change in germany between 1890-1914
A
- industrialisation : germany’s economy became modernised
- economy expanded and Germany was successful in new industries
- chemical manufacturing
3
Q
stats for economic change
A
- production of iron and coal x2
- 1914 : Germany produced 2/3 of Europe’s steel
4
Q
social change in germany between 1890-1914
A
- urbanisation
- increase of working class people
- their living and working conditions were poor + unsanitary
- rise in socialism and popularity for SPD
5
Q
stats for social change
A
- by 1910 : 60% lived in towns + cities
- from 1887 - 1903, SPD seats in reichstag increased by 70
- membership of trade unions was 3.3 mil in 1914
6
Q
why did this social change worry the Kaiser?
A
- SPD had different political views
- difficult for him to get legislation passed in reichstag
- under pressure to introduce reforms but would anger support
7
Q
what were the Navy Laws
A
- part of broader policy ( weltpolitik ) which was to make germany a world power
- set of aims to build up germany’s navy to rival GB’s navy
8
Q
impact of Navy Laws ( positive )
A
- made people feel patriotic as germany was world power
- increased support for the kaiser
- 1907 elections : SPD lost 38 seats
9
Q
impact of Navy Laws ( negative )
A
- government’s budget went into deficit
- national debt grew to 490 bill by 1912
- SPD still biggest party in reichstag
10
Q
impacts of WW1 on German population
A
- naval blockade led to food shortages across germany
( 293K died from starvation ) - workers’ wages were falling despite extra work
( 1918 : german miners earning 60% pre WW1)
11
Q
impacts of WW1 on COUNTRY
A
- government running budget deficit and unable to raise taxes
( value of mark was falling which caused inflation ) - war caused social unrest and revolution
( public protests which lowered morale and forced kaiser to abdicate
12
Q
when did kaiser abdicate
A
nov 1918
13
Q
A
