Germany before WW1 - Germany and the growth of democracy Flashcards
What was the date that the separate German states became unified in order to make one country - Germany ?
1871
Which German emperor, who was from Prussian, came to power in 1888?
Kaiser Wilhelm II
The idea that a country should have strong armed forces. As a Prussian, the Kaiser built the size and strength of the army.
Prussian Militarism
‘World Policy.’ the Kaiser wanted Germany to be a world power with an empire to rival Britain’s
Weltpolitik
A series of laws passed between 1898 and 1912to build the German Navy which led to increased taxation and borrowing leaving Germany in debt
Navy laws
In overall charge so could ignore government advice and make his own decisions. Made all military and foreign policy decisions and appointed ministers.
The Kaiser’s role in the government
Chief minister. Advised the Kaiser along with other ministers
Chancellor
Made up of representatives from each of the states that were unified to make Germany in 1871. Had more power than the Reichstag when voting on laws.
Bundersrat
The German Parliament was elected by all men over 25 so was democratic. Could not propose laws but could vote on laws proposed by ministers
Reichstag
By 1914 Germany had transformed from a mostly agricultural society to one based upon factories and machines.
Industrialisation
System of government that supports democracy and greater government involvement in the economy and society.
Socialism
Before the war many German workers joined trade unions and organized strikes hoping to force the government to improve pay and working conditions.
Growth in Socialism
The Social Democratic Party was a political party formed in 1880s. they believed power and wealth should be shared equally among the people. 1 in 3 Germans voted for them before the war.
SPD
Extreme socialists who believed that Germany should be governed by workers and wanted a revolution to overthrow the Kaiser.
Communists
