Germany and the Growth of Democracy Flashcards
How many states made up Imperial Germany?
25.
What is an autocracy?
A system of government by one person with absolute power e.g. Kaiser Wilhelm.
What is a democracy?
A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of the state, typically through elected representatives.
What was the role of the Kaiser within the government?
- Appointed and dismissed government ministers.
- Commander in chief of army.
- Controlled foreign policy.
- Could dissolve the Reichstag and force a general election.
What were some weaknesses within the Constitution of Imperial Germany?
- It was a military police state so anyone who spoke out against the Kaiser could be punished/dismissed from the Reichstag.
- No democracy; neither the people nor political parties get a real say.
- The army was only answerable to the Kaiser so they could do as they please; control the people through fear.
Who could vote under the Kaiser?
All German men over the age of 25 could vote at Reichstag elections.
What were some strengths within the Constitution of Imperial Germany?
- Each state was responsible for policing, taxes etc. so there’s a sense of ownership for the people that live there.
- There were representatives for each state so they felt listened to.
- The Chancellor could advise the Kaiser positively.
- More people could vote compared to wider Europe.
What was the Kaiser like?
- Valued Weltpolitik and building his army.
- Wanted Germany to be the most powerful country in Europe.
- Raised tensions with Britain by directly challenging all of their values.
What was the structure of Imperial Germany like?
- The Kaiser had absolute power.
- He appointed a Chancellor who was in charge of the other ministers.
- The Reichstag, army and people had to follow the Kaiser’s wishes; lack of power.
- The Bundesrat were representatives of each state.
How rapidly did Germany’s economy grow between 1890-1914?
It grew, on average, 4.5% every year.
What were some factors that contributed to Germany’s economic growth?
- Leading manufacturer of chemicals and electrics. (Produced around 50% of the world’s electrical goods.)
- Produced 2/3 of Europe’s steel - exceeding Britain.
- Production of coal and oil doubled.
What were some positive impacts of industrialisation?
- Urbanisation : new jobs and opportunities. Populations with Germany’s cities exceeded half a million.
- A boom in trade union memberships (3 million by 1913) which improved working conditions for the working class.
What were some negative impacts of industrialisation?
- Over crowding and homelessness as a result of urbanisation.
- Poor standards of living and poor working conditions.
- Increase in class tensions; working class were in conflict with owners over pay and working conditions.
- The elite wanted to keep their power in society, so socialism grew amongst the w/c.
Why did the Social Democratic Party (SPD) grow in popularity during WW1?
The working-class were unhappy with work and living conditions?
What problem did the rising SPD pose to the Kaiser?
He was right wing in his views and saw the party as a threat.
When did the SPD become the biggest party in the Reichstag?
1912.
What was the First Naval Law (1898)?
Seven more battleships to be built over 3 years.
What was the Second Naval Law (1900)?
Double the size of German navy bringing the number of battleships to 38.
When was the Turnip Winter?
1917.
What was the Turnip Winter?
Where the German people had to survive off bread and turnips as the British Blockade prevented goods from entering Germany.
By the end of WW1, how were the German people feeling?
Angry and discontent with the outcomes.
How was the Kaiser abdicated?
- Citizens called for democracy.
- Mutiny was spreading amongst soldiers who were tired of fighting.
- Mutiny and overall discontent led to protests against the Kaiser.
When was the Kaiser abdicated?
On November 1918, with the armistice being signed by the newly-declared republic the very same month.
What were three social problems that arised after WW1?
- Before = stable, rich nation vs Now = mutiny and revolution.
- National income a third of what it had been in 1913 (widespread poverty)
- Turnip Winter = around 400,000 dead from starvation.
What did sailors at Kiel in 1918 mutiny for?
A democratic gov and peace.
What were two political problems that came out of WW1?
- The Kaiser had abdicated after defeat.
- Most soldiers and civilians felt they could have won, so they felt betrayed by the new democratic gov (November Criminals) who had ended the war and refused to support them.
What were three economic problems that came out of WW1?
- Had to pay back money they had borrowed from USA for war.
- Lent some of its money to allies that might not pay it back.
- The BB lead to fuel and food shortages.
What was the militaristic punishment of the TOV?
Army not to exceed 100,000, no tanks or submarines were permitted.
What was the war-guilty punishment of the TOV?
Article 231 = accept complete blame for starting war.
What was the territorial punishment of the TOV?
Lost 13% of land = 6 million people absorbed into other countries.
What was the economic punishment of the TOV?
Reparations fixed at £6.6 billion.
What impacts did LAMB have on Germany?
- L = Germany feels smaller so the hopes of colonization are crushed.
- A = Unable to defend against invasions made them feel vulnerable.
- M = Economy slowed to a halt; widespread poverty.
- B = Humiliation; gov become ‘Nov Criminals’
