Germany before World War One 1890-1914

Question 1

Creation of the New German Empire

Answer 1

• Germany was unified as a single country in 1871
• Due to the unification of 25 independent states
• The Empire’s constitution was a federal one
• Meaning each state kept their own individual princes, constitutions and governments

Question 2

The Bodies of the Empire’s Central Government

Answer 2

• The Emperor (Kaiser) - Head of military, controlled foreign policy, and appointed the Chancellor
• The Chancellor - in charge of government and had authority over the Bundesrat
• The Bundesrat - Federal Council made up of 58 representatives from the 25 states. Introduced laws to the Bundestag and power to approve them
• The Bundestag - Federal parliament made up of 397 deputies. Voted on laws introduced by the Bundesrat

Question 3

Weaknesses of the System

Answer 3

• Chancellor had to be loyal to the Kaiser, or he could be dismissed
• The 25 individual states controlled income tax, making it hard for the central government to raise enough tax to cover its spending
• Prussian influence was dominant
• Industrialisation led to a large rise in Germany’s urban population. By 1910, 60% of Germans lived in towns and cities. These workers and their poor living conditions were ignored

Question 4

Demographic Changes

Answer 4

• By 1910 there were 10.86 million industrial workers in Germany, making them the biggest single group in society
• They generally faced poor living and working conditions
• All adult males could vote meaning that the workers were able to influence politics through their support for the SPD
• The party grew rapidly during this period to become the largest party in the Reichstag by 1912

Question 5

Support for the SPD

Answer 5

• The SPD’s rise in support troubled the Kaiser because it threatened the upper classes including their wealth and status
• The German Chancellor in the 1880s, Otto von Bismarck, introduced several liberal reforms to reduce support for the SPD
• But the Kaiser supported modest reforms to keep the German workers happy

Question 6

Social Reforms

Answer 6

• In the 1880s, Bismarck introduced social insurance systems for health care, accidents, disability and old age
• 1891 - the Social Law banned Sunday working and the employment of children under 13
• 1900 - the length of time accident insurance could be claimed for was increased
• 1901 - industrial courts were introduced to settle disputes between workers and employers
• 1903 - health insurance was extended and further restrictions were placed on child labour

Question 7

Weltpolitik

Answer 7

• This means ‘world politics’ and began in 1897
• This policy was designed to turn Germany into a world power by building an overseas empire, growing its world trade and increasing its naval power

Question 8

The Navy League

Answer 8

• Admiral von Tirpitz helped form this group to win support of his policy ‘weltpolitik’
• Created in 1898
• Campaigned for his Naval Laws to be passed
• Quickly gained one million members

Question 9

The Navy Laws

Answer 9

• 1898 - the first Navy Law increased Germany’s fleet to include 19 battleships
• 1900 - the second Navy Law, which doubled the size of the navy to 38 ships